Oncocytoma

Epidemiology

Oncocytomas are rare parotid gland tumors. These neoplasms are thought to represent parenchymal elements of acini or intralobular ducts that have been transformed by unknown etiologies. The majority of lesions are benign; however, malignant oncocytomas have been reported. The parotid gland is the most common site in the head and neck. The submandibular gland is rarely involved. Oncocytomas constitute < 1% of salivary gland tumors and account for about 1% of benign parotid gland neoplasms.

Clinical Findings

Patients usually present with a painless, parotid-region mass between the fifth and sixth decades of life. Oncocytomas appear to occur in males and females with equal incidence. Multiple bilateral tumors have been reported in 7% of cases.