Effective chemotherapy for submandibular gland carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma with lung metastasis after radiotherapy: A case report

BACKGROUND: Only a few cases of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma arising in the submandibular gland have ever been reported, all with a poor prognosis. The standard treatment for salivary gland carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma is surgical resection combined with postoperative radiotherapy, but the necessity of chemotherapy as well as the most appropriate treatment regimen for patients with distant metastasis after radiotherapy remains controversial. CASE SUMMARY: This report presents the case of a 73-year-old woman who suffered submandibular gland carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma. She accepted surgery to remove the mass; she was found to have lung metastasis after radiotherapy. Her condition was controlled by chemotherapy with liposomal doxorubicin plus cisplatin. CONCLUSION: The positive clinical outcome in the patient reveals that this chemotherapy regimen may be an alternative treatment for such a condition.