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Peer-reviewedCC BYCureus

Oncocytic Papillary Cystadenoma in the Tubarial Gland: A Case Report and Literature Review

  • Reuben P Powell1
  • Celeste Wagner1
  • Tyler A Janz2
  • Viran J Ranasinghe3
  • Cecilia Clement1
  1. 1Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA
  2. 2Otolaryngology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA
  3. 3Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA
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Abstract

Oncocytic papillary cystadenoma is a rare, benign lesion primarily affecting the major and minor salivary glands of the head and neck. Occurrence in the nasopharynx is exceedingly rare. Herein, we describe an oncocytic papillary cystadenoma on a tubarial gland of the nasopharynx. The tubarial glands are conglomerates of predominantly mucous glands overlying the torus tubarius. These glands were identified incidentally on ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-11 positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) performed for staging in prostate cancer patients, owing to their expression of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a characteristic shared with the major salivary glands. This led to increased scientific discussions that have increased our understanding of the anatomy, histology, and physiologic role of these glands, as well as their implications in disease and therapy.

A 77-year-old male smoker presented with a six-month history of imbalance and bilateral ear fullness. Subsequent endoscopy revealed an erythematous, exophytic mass on the left torus tubarius. The mass was removed by excisional biopsy and diagnosed as an oncocytic papillary cystadenoma.

Oncocytic papillary cystadenoma of the nasopharyngeal tubarial glands is uncommon. Based on recent investigations and developments, our understanding of this anatomic structure has improved. Continued investigation and awareness of this concealed salivary gland is needed to further improve our understanding of its function and pathology.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{powell2026oncocytic,
  title = {{Oncocytic Papillary Cystadenoma in the Tubarial Gland: A Case Report and Literature Review}},
  author = {Reuben P Powell and Celeste Wagner and Tyler A Janz and Viran J Ranasinghe and Cecilia Clement},
  journal = {Cureus},
  year = {2026},
  month = sep,
  doi = {10.7759/cureus.117181},
  url = {https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13722365},
  note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Oncocytic Papillary Cystadenoma in the Tubarial Gland: A Case Report and Literature Review
AU  - Reuben P Powell
AU  - Celeste Wagner
AU  - Tyler A Janz
AU  - Viran J Ranasinghe
AU  - Cecilia Clement
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/09/29
JO  - Cureus
DO  - 10.7759/cureus.117181
UR  - https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13722365
AB  - Oncocytic papillary cystadenoma is a rare, benign lesion primarily affecting the major and minor salivary glands of the head and neck. Occurrence in the nasopharynx is exceedingly rare. Herein, we describe an oncocytic papillary cystadenoma on a tubarial gland of the nasopharynx. The tubarial glands are conglomerates of predominantly mucous glands overlying the torus tubarius. These glands were identified incidentally on ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-11 positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) performed for staging in prostate cancer patients, owing to their expression of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a characteristic shared with the major salivary glands. This led to increased scientific discussions that have increased our understanding of the anatomy, histology, and physiologic role of these glands, as well as their implications in disease and therapy.  A 77-year-old male smoker presented with a six-month history of imbalance and bilateral ear fullness. Subsequent endoscopy revealed an erythematous, exophytic mass on the left torus tubarius. The mass was removed by excisional biopsy and diagnosed as an oncocytic papillary cystadenoma.  Oncocytic papillary cystadenoma of the nasopharyngeal tubarial glands is uncommon. Based on recent investigations and developments, our understanding of this anatomic structure has improved. Continued investigation and awareness of this concealed salivary gland is needed to further improve our understanding of its function and pathology.
SN  - 2168-8184
ER  -