Small cell carcinoma of the submandibular gland: a rare small round blue cell tumor

The presence of small cell carcinoma within the submandibular gland is an uncommon clinical entity. However, other small round blue cell tumors are encountered in the head and neck with greater frequency. These include lymphoma, Ewing's sarcoma, melanoma, esthesioneuroblastoma, and neuroblastoma. A basic knowledge of the immunohistochemical studies available to distinguish each these tumors from one another significantly improves the frequency of accurate and timely initial diagnosis. We report a case of small cell carcinoma of the submandibular gland and review the other common small round blue cell tumors that occur within the head and neck. We utilize an acronym, LEMONS, to organize our review and facilitate improved retention of the differential diagnosis for small round blue cell tumors of the head and neck.