Familial Occurrence of Acinic Cell Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland

Abstract

We report the familial occurrence of acinic cell carcinoma involving the parotid gland, the first such report of which we are aware. The familial occurrence of any salivary gland neoplasm is rare. Several reports are present in the literature, including pleomorphic adenoma, Warthin tumor, carcinoma of the submandibular gland, and malignant lymphoepithelial lesion. We report the case of a 35-year-old man who underwent excision of a left parotid gland acinic cell carcinoma. Eight years later, his daughter presented at the age of 16 years with a nontender parotid gland mass that was excised and found also to be acinic cell carcinoma. The histologic features of both neoplasms were typical of acinic cell carcinoma. While this may represent a coincidental event, the possibility that this familial occurrence is a manifestation of common genetic or environmental risk cannot be excluded.

Exploring the Epidemiology and Survival Trends in Pediatric Major Salivary Gland Malignancies: Insights from the National Cancer Database

“…While instances of familial clustering have been observed, a definitive genetic predisposition for salivary gland tumors has not been identified. It is suggested that the development of SGM may arise from the combined influence of genetic and environmental factors [14][15][16][17][18][19].…”

Salivary gland carcinoma in children and adolescents: The EXPeRT/PARTNER diagnosis and treatment recommendations

“…9 Although cases of familial clustering of SGCs have been described, no genetic predisposition syndrome has been reported to date, and the etiology of SGC may be related to multiple susceptibility genes and/or environmental factors. [10][11][12][13][14][15][16] A personal history of cancer and its treatment has been reported to be a potential risk factor for developing SGC, 17 but only previous radiation exposure has been clearly shown to be associated with increased risk. 16,[18][19][20] SGCs mainly involve the parotid glands, followed by the minor salivary glands (MSG), submandibular glands, and very rarely the sublingual glands.…”

“…They are extremely rare before the age of 10, but are more likely to be high‐grade and associated with a poorer prognosis 9 . Although cases of familial clustering of SGCs have been described, no genetic predisposition syndrome has been reported to date, and the etiology of SGC may be related to multiple susceptibility genes and/or environmental factors 10–16 . A personal history of cancer and its treatment has been reported to be a potential risk factor for developing SGC, 17 but only previous radiation exposure has been clearly shown to be associated with increased risk 16,18–20 .…”