Basal cell adenocarcinoma of submandibular salivary gland-problems in cytologic diagnosis

Basal-cell adenoma and basal-cell adenocarcinoma of the salivary gland are rare tumors. Fine-needle aspiration cytology of these tumors, particularly those of basal-cell adenocarcinoma, has rarely been described in the literature. In this report, we describe the clinical, cytomorphologic and histopathologic features of basal cell adenocarcinoma in a 48-year-old male patient. Fine-needle aspiration specimen showed abundant cohesive groups of basaloid cells revealing focal anisonucleosis and nuclear atypia. The tumor cells also showed rosette-like arrangement around central eosinophilic globule. Pertinent literature is reviewed and differential diagnosis are discussed.