The presence of melanin pigment and melanocytic markers expression have been rarely reported in salivary gland tumors. Herein, two cases of carcinoma arising in pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland and showing diffuse expression of myoepithelial and melanocytic markers are described. The clinical-pathological clues useful in the differential diagnosis with melanoma are discussed. In addition, a review of the pertinent literature is also proposed, discussing the pathologic mechanisms potentially involved in this phenomenon.
Keywords: Carcinoma; Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma; Melanocytic markers; Melanoma; Melanoma metastasis; Parotid gland; Pleomorphic adenoma.
© 2021. The Author(s).