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Diagnostic Dilemma

Michael J. Babb, MD; Barry M. Rasgon, MD; Raul M. Cruz, MD; Gregory J. Rumore, MD

Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2002;128:1201-1203.

New masses in the head and neck region of previously treated patients with cancer are considered suggestive of potential recurrence. Fine-needle aspiration is an excellent primary tool for evaluating these masses but may show atypical squamous cells that mislead clinicians to pursue aggressive treatment. We describe 3 patients in whom submandibular gland masses developed after radiation therapy for squamous cell carcinoma and for whom subsequent excisional biopsy findings showed benign squamous metaplasia. We review distinguishing clinical and histopathologic features that may allow these lesions to be identified. We also propose a treatment algorithm for this uncommon clinical scenario.

From the Departments of Head and Neck Surgery (Drs Babb, Rasgon, and Cruz) and Pathology (Dr Rumore), Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Oakland, Calif.