Basal Cell Adenoma of the Minor Salivary Glands in the Buccal Mucosa: A Rare Entity Arising in an Unusual Location

One of the rare tumors of the salivary gland is known as basal cell adenoma (BCA). Only a small percentage of salivary gland tumors affect the minor salivary gland of the oral cavity while the majority are found in the parotid gland. We present a rare case of BCA involving the left buccal mucosa of a 45-year-old female. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed well defined solid mass measuring 1.9 x 1.5 cm in the left buccal space inseparable from the buccinator muscle. The T2-weighted image demonstrates a hyperintense signal post-contrast. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology revealed cellular basaloid neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential. Thereafter excision of the mass was performed through a transoral approach under general anesthesia. Histopathology of the mass showed encapsulated basal cell neoplasm in favor of BCA. The patient was doing well after the surgery and has intact facial nerve and adjacent nerves such as the auriculotemporal nerve and great auricular nerve with no complications then she kept on routine clinic follow-ups, and the surgical site recovered successfully. Therefore, we conclude that MRI and biopsy provide useful information to differentiate between benign adenoma and malignant adenocarcinoma. BCA should be considered in a differential diagnosis of an isolated neck mass. Surgical excision demonstrates an excellent prognosis.