A parotid gland mass as an initial metastatic manifestation of lung adenocarcinoma

We report the case of a 57-year-old chronic smoking patient who presented with a parotid mass associated with peripheral facial palsy. The cervicofacial MRI showed a lesional process centered on the parotid region , a parotid biopsy was done revealed a primary bronchial adenocarcinoma. A chest CT was performed revealing a lesional process in the dorsal segment of the right upper lobe , radiochemotherapy was recommended to the patient.

Malignant head and neck tumors are typically the source of metastases to the parotid gland.

The location of lung cancer metastases in the parotid gland is very rare; a few cases have been reported in the literature. Knowledge of the primary or secondary nature of a parotid tumor is essential for choosing treatment and estimating prognosis.