Metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma of the parotid region without lung metastasis: a case report

Parotid gland metastatic tumours are rare, usually arising from a primary mucosal or cutaneous cancer located in the ipsilateral head and neck region, although metastases from a primary cancer outside the head and neck region are possible. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) rarely metastasizes to the head and neck region and the parotid glands are an even more unusual site. The authors describe the case of an 82-year-old male who presented with a right parotid mass. Percutaneous incisional biopsy with histological and immunohistochemical studies suggested metastatic HCC. Radiological investigations excluded other metastatic lesions. This case illustrates the difficulties that may be encountered when seeking a definitive diagnosis of parotid gland masses and underlines the need for collaboration between clinicians and pathologists when diagnosing a parotid enlargement.