[The interesting case -- case no. 68. Metastasis of a small-cell bronchial carcinoma to the parotid gland].

We present a case of a metastasis to the parotid gland from a small cell carcinoma of lung. The patient noted swelling in right parotid region without pain and saw an otorhinolaryngologist. There was no facial nerve palsy. He was admitted to our hospital. The total parotidectomy with facial nerve preserving was performed. The pathological findings indicated small cell carcinoma. After receipt of this report, we examined the lungs. An abnormal shadow could be found in the chest X-rays. CT revealed a lung tumor on a left site which was determined to be small cell carcinoma by transbronchial lung biopsy. Metastasis to the parotid glands from any distant primary site is quite unusual. In most cases of secundary parotid involvement of malignant tumors primary tumors originated from the head and neck region. Primary tumors in the neighborhood are the skin of the head and neck and the mucosa of the upper airway and digestive tract. Distant metastases to the parotid gland have been reported to arise from bronchial carcinoma, renal carcinoma, colonic carcinoma, prostat and breast. The distinction between primary salivary glands tumors and metastases of other primary tumors is difficult often. Histologic and immunhistological methods can be helpful.