[Clear cell carcinoma of the parotid gland]

Clear cell carcinomas of the parotid gland are hardly reported only fifty cases are known. They are characterized by a proliferation of acinic epithelial cells and of clear myo epithelial cells. What makes them remarkable is a slow process of evolution.

Three cases which were treated in the Ibn Rochd center of oncology are gathered from the 1999-2003 period into a review in order to discover the epidemic and anatomopathological characteristics of these tumours. The goal of study is to contribute to a best knowledge of the clinical features, pare clinical, anatomopathological and therapeutic characteristic of this tumour.

Two men, aged of 62 and 71 and a 82-years-old-woman were concerned. Growing cervical mass was the most revealing symptom. The diagnosis was established by the parotid biopsy in 2 cases and after surgery in the third case. The treatment consisted in a total parotidectomy with conservation of the facial nerve and postoperative radiation at the extend of 65 Gy for the first patient. After 12 months the patient is still alive. As for the two other patients, given the extend of advancement of the tumour, palliative treatment was decided. It resulted in stabilization of the disease and a receding of 22 months for one patient and no trace of the second one because of a loss of the evolutionary pursuit.

With an in-depth analysis we can notice that clear cell carcinomas of the parotid gland are rare and mostly occur to old patients. Immunohistochemistry is the essential first step to sort these tumour with other salivary ones. Basic treatment is surgery. Radiation therapy linked to surgery seems to improve the local control of the disease. The prognosis remains relatively good despite discusses. Because of the few published cases, it's hard to analyze these tumours.