Epstein–Barr Virus-Associated Lymphoepithelial Carcinoma Arising in a Salivary Sebaceous Lymphadenoma

• Published in: Head & neck pathology (Totowa, N.J.) Vol. 17; no. 3; pp. 871 - 876
• Main Authors: Wong, Jahg, Gologan, Olga, Ahmad, Khouloud, Seethala, Raja R., Berdugo, Jérémie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.09.2023
• Subjects: Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - pathology; Case Reports; Dentistry; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections - complications; Herpesvirus 4, Human - genetics; Humans; In Situ Hybridization; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Otorhinolaryngology; Parotid Neoplasms - pathology; Pathology; Salivary Gland Neoplasms - pathology; Salivary gland tumor; Parotid tumor; Lymphoepithelial carcinoma; Lymphadenoma; Epstein–Barr virus
• ISSN: 1936-0568; 1936-0568
• DOI: 10.1007/s12105-023-01546-w

Background Lymphadenomas are rare benign tumors of the major salivary glands that are further classified as sebaceous and non-sebaceous. No association with viruses has been reported so far. Little is known about the mechanisms that allow lymphadenomas to undergo malignant transformation. Among these rare instances, there has never been a malignant transformation to Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-associated lymphoepithelial carcinoma. Methods Clinical data of the reported case were retrieved from the patient’s electronic medical record. Hematoxylin & eosin-stained slides, immunohistochemical tests, and in situ hybridization performed for routine diagnostic purposes were reviewed. Results We report a salivary gland sebaceous lymphadenoma in which the luminal components were mostly replaced by malignant epithelial cells with markedly atypical nuclear features. Presence of EBV was demonstrated in all components by EBER. The morphological and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with a lymphoepithelial carcinoma arising from a sebaceous lymphadenoma. Conclusion We report the first case of an Epstein–Barr virus-associated lymphoepithelial carcinoma arising from a sebaceous lymphadenoma.