Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the parotid: A case of an occult primary

✍ Scribed by Jeffrey B. Marvel; Dr. Mary R. Schwartz; Dr. Donald T. Donovan

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1990
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 330 KB
• Volume: 12
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1043-3074
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.2880120215

✦ Synopsis

Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma involving an intraparotid lymph node, although uncommon, remains of practical consideration in the differential diagnosis of a parotid mass. This is of particular importance when the primary skin lesion is not readily identifiable, or has been inadequately managed in the past. A representative case is presented, and a review of the literature follows with special emphasis on the anatomy of the parotid lymphatics and the implications for appropriate treatment.

HEAD & NECK 12~174-177,1990

Metastatic carcinoma involving the parotid lymph nodes is an uncommon and potentially overlooked possibility in the patient presenting with a parotid mass. In the vast majority of cases, these lesions originate from cutaneous malignancies that either metastasize by regional lymphatic spread or invade by contiguous spread. Most frequently, malignant melanoma is involved and accounts for 40% of metastatic lesions followed by squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounting for 33% of such c a ~e s . l -~ Uncommonly, basal cell carcinoma, sarcomas, cylindro-From the