Basal cell adenomas is a medical term referring to non-cancerous tumors in the salivary glands. The spelling of this word is based on International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription. Basal is pronounced /ˈbeɪsəl/ with stress on the first syllable. Cell is pronounced /sɛl/. Adenomas is pronounced /ˌædəˈnoʊməs/ with primary stress on the third syllable. The correct spelling of this word is crucial in medical professions to avoid miscommunication and ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
Basal cell adenomas are benign tumors that arise from the basal cells of the salivary glands. These adenomas mainly affect the major salivary glands, such as the parotid glands, but can also occur in the minor salivary glands found in the palate, lips, and cheeks. They are slow-growing tumors that typically present as painless, well-defined masses.
Histologically, basal cell adenomas are characterized by nests or islands of uniform basaloid cells with uniform nuclei and scant cytoplasm. These cells are often arranged in a lobular pattern surrounded by a fibrous capsule. The characteristic pattern of basaloid cells in basal cell adenomas distinguishes them from other salivary gland tumors.
Clinically, basal cell adenomas usually present as a small, solitary, smooth-surfaced, and firm mass. They typically do not cause significant discomfort or functional impairment unless they grow large and compress surrounding structures. In rare cases, basal cell adenomas may exhibit malignant transformation; however, they are primarily considered benign tumors.
Due to their benign nature, treatment for basal cell adenomas typically involves surgical excision. This procedure aims to completely remove the tumor while preserving the function and aesthetics of the affected salivary gland. Periodic follow-up examinations are recommended to monitor for potential recurrence or malignant transformation.