PAPILLARY CYSTADENOCARCINOMA: A CASE REPORT

Papillary cystadenocarcinoma (PCC) is a rare malignant tumor of the salivary glands featured by cysts and papillary endocystic projections. The differential diagnosis includes cystadenoma, papillary-cystic variant of acinic cell carcinoma polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA), salivary duct carcinoma, and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Nuclear pleomorphism, mitosis, and infiltrative growth pattern affirm the malignancy of PCC. A 66-year-old man presented with a swelling in the upper alveolar ridge and hard palate. Intraorally, an exophytic, friable and ulcerated lesion was observed. Computed tomography scan showed a large soft tissue mass destroying the left maxilla. An incisional biopsy was performed. Based on the histopathologic features of papillary projections extending into the cystic lumen, the diagnosis of PCC was confirmed. The patient was referred to an oncology center where chemotherapy and radiotherapy were chosen as the appropriate treatment. Currently, no signs of recurrence were detected after 2 years of clinical follow-up.