Introduction:

Parotid gland metastases are originated from primary malignant cutaneous tumors of the face and scalp in most cases. In less than 20% of metastases, they arise from primary tumors below the clavicle; in fact, small cell lung carcinoma metastases constitute 1.7% of malignant parotid tumors.

Description:

We present the case of a 52- year old who made debut with a oat cell lung cancer by means of a painful tumor parotid and facial paralysis.

Discussion:

Parotid gland metastases are the first manifestation in the 50% of the cases of a previously unknown primary tumor.

Conclusions:

It's important to performing a FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology) before a parotid tumor of malignant behavior, such as small cell cancer, to rule out the metastatic nature.

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