title: Radionuclide salivary scan imaging of a "functioning" malignant parotid tumor (mucous-producing papillary adenocarcinoma).
abstract: To date, all "functioning" or "hot" tumors on salivary gland scan have been benign - either the not uncommon Warthin's tumor or the rare oncocytoma. A positive salivary scan was obtained in a functioning malignant tumor of the parotid gland (a mucous-producing papillary adenocarcinoma). This occurrence has not previously been reported. The pathologic findings and the radionuclide images are demonstrated in this elderly female. It is presumed that the Technetium Tc99m pertechnetate has been concentrated in the tumor. The functioning epithelial cell, however, is not the benign oncocyte associated with other previously reported benign functioning tumors. Clinical discretion is therefore suggested in interpreting the significance of a functioning salivary gland tumor if encountered in an elderly female.
mesh_terms: D000231:Adenocarcinoma, Papillary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009077:Mucins / Q000302:isolation & purification; D010307:Parotid Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging
chemical_list: D009077:Mucins