Membranous-Type Basal Cell Adenoma of the Parotid Gland in a 16-year-old Male: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Salivary gland tumors (SGTs) encompass a broad category of neoplasms that can be benign or malignant with significant variation in clinical and histopathological presentation. Among SGTs, basal cell adenomas (BCAs) represent a rare subset that is predominantly found in the parotid gland of women over the age of 50. In this case report, we describe an atypical case of a membranous-type BCA identified in the left parotid gland of a 16-year-old male. Diagnostic measures included contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) imaging and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy which ultimately led to a left superficial parotidectomy. Surgical pathology confirmed a 1.7 cm membranous-type BCA with negative margins. Due to the potential for recurrence associated with membranous-type BCA, long-term monitoring was recommended. Here we discuss the rarity of this diagnosis in a male adolescent, review current practices for management of BCAs, and identify gaps in knowledge and standardized clinical guidelines for atypical presentations.