Clinicopathological Study of Oncocytomas of Head and Neck Region: A Systematic Review

Salivary gland oncocytomas are infrequent benign salivary gland tumors with few reported cases.

This study aimed to systematically review case reports and case series studies on oncocytomas in the head and neck region.

Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and LILACS databases. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute-University of Adelaide tool for case reports and case series.

A total of 99 studies (145 cases) were included. Oncocytomas predominantly affected women, typically presenting as solitary, asymptomatic parotid masses in patients over 51 years of age. Some cases reported multiple or bilateral tumors, occasionally associated with other salivary gland lesions. Histologically, the tumors were primarily composed of eosinophilic oncocytes with minimal pleomorphism, arranged in diverse architectural patterns. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed positivity for PTAH, antimitochondrial antigen, CK5/6, CK8/18, CK10/13, CK19, EMA, along with a low Ki67 index, while being negative for S100 and actin. Surgical excision was the primary treatment, with rare instances of recurrence.

Oncocytoma is a rare, benign neoplasm that most commonly arises in the parotid gland, with a predilection for female patients. Complete surgical excision constitutes the standard treatment and is associated with an excellent prognosis.