[Tumors of salivary glands: anatomical study and clinical epidemiology of a series of 180 cases]

The salivary gland tumors are rare [less than 3% of all tumors] and poorly known. In fact, they are numerous and histologically difficult to diagnose. This work aims to point at the different histological types of salivary gland tumors, to draw out the principal epidemiological, clinical, radiological and histological characteristics, and to compare our cases to those of the literature. Accordingly, we performed a descriptive type study about 180 cases of salivary gland tumors from the departments of pathology and oto-rhino-laryngology of Habib Thameur hospital during 25 years, extending from April 1979 to December 2004. Benign tumors were predominant [88%], while malignant ones represented 12% of our cases dominated by carcinomas. The sex-ratio was 0.96. Parotid gland location was the most frequent one, and pleomorphic adenoma was the most frequent tumor [62%]. Histological diversity of salivary tumors results in difficulties for differential diagnosis. These problems can be solved by a precise diagnostic approach and sometimes by an immunohistochemistry study

[Parotid basal cell adenoma of membranous type]

Basal cell adenoma [BCA] is a rare benign neoplasm characterized by the basaloid appearance of the tumour cells and the lack of myxochondroid stromal component present in pleomorphic adenoma. We report a case of basal cell adenoma of membranous type, highly suspected of malignancy because of the presence of mediastinal lymph nodes and pulmonary nodules which finally were related to an associated sarcoidosis. Our patient was an 80-year-old woman who presented a swelling of the right parotid two years ago. The clinical examination revealed a solid, indolent and mobile mass. A chest radiography noted mediastinal lymph nodes. The CT-scann confirmed the presence of mediastinal and tracheal lymph nodes with pulmonary nodules. So the diagnosis of metastatic malignant salivary gland tumor was suspected. Finally, the histological examination concluded to a basal cell adenoma of membranous type with sarcoidosis granulomas in the parotid and in the lymph nodes. The BCA is a benign tumor located generally in the parotid gland. When the malignancy is suspected, like in our case, this tumor must be differentiated from the basal cell enocarcinoma using histological criteria

[Solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas: a pediatric case report]

Solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas are extremely rare and mostly seen in young females. It is often diagnosed incidentally or during investigations of gastrointestinal complaints. Report of a pediatric case of this tumor. We report the case of a 15-year old teenager who presented with painful abdominal tumefaction. Imaging findings were a 12 cm solid and cystic mass originating from the tail of the pancreas. A distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy was performed. Pathologic examination concluded to solid pseudopaprillary tumor. Evolution was favorable with no recurrence 18 months after surgery. Histological examination confirms the diagnosis and allows, with the help of immunohistochemical study, to rule out some differential diagnoses such as pancreatoblastoma, acinar tumors and endocrine tumors. Prognosis of solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas is excellent after radical resection and recurrences are rarely seen