Oncocytic nodule. An unusual case of a submaxillary gland mass in an elderly patient

A submaxillary gland mass in an elderly woman was diagnosed as an oncocytic nodule by cutting needle biopsy and was followed with serial fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy for seven years. All specimens showed pure populations of oncocytes. Oncocytic nodules of the salivary gland are unusual lesions that may represent hyperplastic proliferations or true neoplasms. Although oncocytic metaplasia is commonly identified in the salivary glands of elderly patients, oncocytes rarely form masses that are targets for needle biopsy. This case suggests that FNA biopsy may be a useful method of evaluating salivary gland lesions in elderly patients who are not candidates for surgery.