Vertebral Metastasis from Primary Parotid Adenocarcinoma

Background Parotid adenocarcinoma comprises 10% of all parotid cancers and does not frequently produce distant metastases. The most common site for metastases is the lung, and there have only been 2 reported cases of skeletal metastases. The purpose of this study is to report the first vertebral metastasis from a primary parotid adenocarcinoma. Patient records, imaging, and pathology from a case of vertebral metastasis of a primary parotid adenocarcinoma were reviewed. A literature review of parotid adenocarcinoma metastases was also performed and is presented. Case Description A 53-year-old male with a medical history of parotid adenocarcinoma treated with chemotherapy and radiation presented with back pain. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar region showed a lytic lesion on the left side of the L4 vertebral body, and a biopsy confirmed the lesion was metastatic adenocarcinoma. Conclusions Distant metastases from a primary parotid adenocarcinoma are rare events, especially metastases to bone. This case represents the first vertebral metastasis from a primary parotid adenocarcinoma.