Solitary adrenal metastasis from salivary duct carcinoma of the parotid gland successfully treated by surgery

Abstract

Rationale: Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is a rare and highly aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis. SDC demonstrates a potential for invasive growth with early regional and distant metastasis to organs, such as bone, lung, liver, and brain. Because, adrenal gland metastasis from SDC is rare, its treatment options are not well established. Herein, we report a case of SDC metastasis from the parotid gland to the adrenal gland, which was successfully treated by surgery. Patient concerns: The patient had an abnormal but painless lump on the right parotid gland. The size of the mass had increased over a period of 3 years. The patient underwent complete removal of the right parotid gland and radical neck dissection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Two years later, a mass was identified in the left adrenal gland by computed tomography. As no local recurrence or metastasis to other organs was observed, the patient underwent adrenalectomy. Diagnoses: Metastasis of SDC in the adrenal gland was confirmed by histopathological examination of the adrenalectomized specimen. Interventions: After adrenalectomy, the patient was followed-up without adjuvant therapy. Outcomes: The patient was well and alive during the 13-month postoperative follow-up period without any complications. Lessons: Surgical resection of solitary metastatic lesion may show a survival benefit with metastatic SDC.