Carcinoma Ex Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Parotid Gland: A Rare Case

Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) being the most common type. Even though SCC is the major type of cancer found in the head and neck region, the salivary glands contribute to about 1/20 cases, of which 1/10 are said to be carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) type, and the parotid gland is found to be the most common origin of such cases. Although it usually arises later in life, it can grow rapidly, with local symptoms being late findings, if any. Even though fine needle aspiration cytology has low sensitivity for diagnosing such cancer, multiple/repeated biopsies can increase the yield and the accuracy of the test. Surgical resection is the main choice for treatment with postoperative radiation for select cases. Our case presented with CXPA with distant metastasis to multiple sites.