Basal cell adenocarcinoma of the nasopharyngeal minor salivary glands: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Basal cell adenocarcinomas (BCACs) arise from the minor salivary glands in the upper respiratory tract and are extremely rare. In this report, we present an unusual case of a 57-year-old male with BCAC that arose from the nasopharynx. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of nasopharyngeal BCAC. CASE PRESENTATION: In August 2010, a 57-year-old Chinese male presented with epistaxis and decreased hearing for 1 month. He was diagnosed with BCAC of the solid type that arose from the nasopharynx. The patient received radiotherapy alone and exhibited a complete response. A follow-up at 72 months did not detect any evidence of disease recurrence or metastasis. A comprehensive literature review revealed only 7 previously reported cases of BCAC in the upper respiratory tract. Surgery is the first choice to treat BCAC but may impair maxillofacial function. Radiotherapy is reserved for inoperable cases. CONCLUSIONS: Radiotherapy can achieve good local control and preserve maxillofacial function; therefore, this treatment may be a suitable option for patients who are not good candidates for surgery.