Osteoclast-like giant cell tumor of the parotid gland; a case report with literature review

INTRODUCTION: The osteoclast-like giant cell is a benign tumor that presents as either an isolated benign tumor or one with a carcinomatous component. This study aims to report a rare case of osteoclast-like giant cell tumor (GCT) of the parotid gland. CASE REPORT: A 67-year-old female presented with a painless left pre-auricular swelling of 2-month duration which increased in size gradually over that period. On examination, there was a firm, mobile mass with well-defined borders in the left parotid gland. Fine needle aspiration cytology showed a giant cell-rich lesion that was highly cellular and contained a large number of osteoclast-like multinucleated giant cells, with clusters of spindle and epithelioid cells. Total parotidectomy was performed. After the operation, the patient was sent for radiotherapy. DISCUSSION: The histogenesis and exact nature of this tumor are unknown although numerous ideas have been put forward. The most common clinical manifestation is a painless slow-growing tumor in the parotid area. Primary osteoclast-like GCT of the salivary gland might show concomitant benign or malignant neoplasms. There is also a “pure form” of the tumor that has no accompanying neoplasm. CONCLUSION: GCT of the parotid gland is a rare tumor. The histogenesis and nature of parotid gland GCT are not completely understood. The treatment of choice is total excision followed by radiotherapy.