Basal cell adenocarcinoma of the minor salivary gland: Case report and cell adhesion molecules immunocytochemical profile

Basal cell adenocarcinoma (BCAC) is a rare salivary gland tumour, especially in minor glands, and is considered to be the malignant counterpart of basal cell adenoma. The clinical, histological and immunohistochemical features of a case involving the upper labial mucosa are described. In conclusion any tumor that shows the characteristics of basal adenoma, on initial examination but has limited encapsulation, even a small number of mitotic figures, or even a suggestion of infiltration, and altered expression of cell adhesion molecules, should be carefully examined for the possibility of BCAC.