Intraductal carcinoma of right parapharyngeal space presenting as a fluctuant swelling of retromolar region: Case emphasizing on the histological differential diagnosis

Intraductal carcinoma (IDC) of salivary gland is an extremely rare malignancy affecting mainly the parotid glands. Intraoral occurrence is seen mainly on the palate where the tumour arises from the minor salivary glands. No previous case has been described in parapharyngeal space. We report a case of low-grade IDC of the anterior compartment of the right parapharyngeal space that clinically resembled a lesion of vascular origin. Due to the extreme rarity of intraductal carcinoma, it may not be considered by dentists and dental specialists in clinical differential diagnoses, leading to delay in treatment. Intraductal carcinoma must be differentiated from its close histological but high-grade mimickers to avoid unnecessary overtreatment and better patient outcome.