Metastasizing mixed tumour of the parotid gland presenting as multiple lung metastases

Abstract

Metastasis is a feature of malignant neoplasms. Although rare, metastasizing pathologically benign mixed tumour has been reported. This report describes a 33-year-old woman with multiple lung metastases from mixed tumour. A small preauricular mass had been removed 23 years earlier. Six years later, the patient had the same symptom; the recurrent mass was resected. She was not aware of the exact pathological diagnosis of the previous tumours. One of the most common features of metastasizing mixed tumour is recurrence at the primary site. Inadequate resection of the primary tumour is often associated with metastasis. Thus, it is important for the head and neck surgeon to be aware of the concept of pathologically benign metastasizing mixed tumour and the importance of adequate surgical procedure.