[Basal cell adenoma of Weber's glands]

In 1967, Kleinsasser first reported about basal cell adenomas in salivary glands, which represent approximately 1-2% of all salivary gland tumors. About 70% of these tumors are found in the parotid gland. Less often the minor salivary glands are involved, particularly in the upper lip region. We would like to report on a case of occurrence in the upper pole of the palatine tonsil.

A 68-year-old woman was seen, who complained about a growth in her left tonsil. Other than a slow increase size, she had no symptoms. Examination revealed a solid tumor approximately 3 cm in diameter which displaced the upper part of the tonsil medially. In an MRI study, the neoplasia demonstrated a low signal intensity in the T1-weighted images and a high signal intensity in the T2-weighted images, which is relatively typical for a cystic structure. The tumor extended to the base of skull, and was completely resected by extended tonsillectomy. Histologic studies showed a cystic, regressive basal cell adenoma.

When compared to pleomorphic adenomas, basal cell adenomas are relatively rare in the region of the soft palate. This case is especially interesting because we assume the origin of the tumor to be in the supratonsillar salivary glands (Weber's glands) and also because of the unusually pronounced cystic regressive changes.