Characterisation of metastases in parotid gland lesions: clinical and cytological insights

Data from the literature have shown that metastases to the salivary glands are mostly encountered in the parotid gland, representing around 5% of all salivary malignancies,1–3 due to the presence of intra-and-peri-parotid lymph nodes.1–3 More than 80% of salivary metastases are derived from squamous cell carcinomas (SqCCs) of the head and neck region, followed by cutaneous carcinomas and then mucosal melanomas.1–3 Of note, although less common, metastatic carcinomas from the breast, lung, kidney and prostate have also been reported to involve the parotid gland.1–3