Detection of atypical metastases in recurrent adenoid cystic carcinoma of parotid gland.

We report a known case of adenoid cystic carcinoma of right parotid gland in a 36-year-old Indian male, diagnosed 5 years ago for which he underwent surgery followed by radiotherapy. Now the patient has presented to the surgical oncologist with a mass near angle of right jaw. Computed tomography (CT) performed elsewhere was reported negative for local recurrence. Subsequently, 18 F Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-CT (FDG PET-CT) demonstrated local recurrence in right parotid bed. Surprisingly, metabolically active metastatic skeletal deposits were also identified, thus the disease was upstaged and management was changed. Trucut biopsy from left iliac bone lesion confirmed metastases from adenoid cystic carcinoma. Thus a whole body PET-CT has a significant impact on management of patients with salivary gland malignancies in assessing both local recurrence as well as distant metastases, especially in atypical and unsuspected sites.