Basal cell adenoma

Basal cell adenomas are uncommon salivary gland tumors, representing ~4% (range 1-7.5%) of benign parotid tumors. They can also occur in the other major salivary glands as well as the minor salivary glands.

Clinical presentation

Most commonly, a painless growing mass .

Pathology

Typically, basal cell adenomas are unilateral, round/oval and <3 cm .

Radiographic features

Imaging features are similar to pleomorphic adenomas, although basal cell adenomas are more likely to have smooth margins compared to the undulating margins typical of pleomorphic adenomas >1 cm in size .

MRI

ADC values are typically lower in basal cell adenomas compared to pleomorphic adenomas (1.24 vs 1.86 10 mm s in one study ) and they appear slightly more cystic .

Complications

Basal cell adenoma can degenerative into basal cell adenocarcinoma, although these are reported to more commonly arise de novo .