High-grade salivary gland carcinoma with the ETV6-NTRK3 gene fusion: A case report and literature review of secretory carcinoma with high-grade transformation

Secretory carcinoma or mammary analog secretory carcinoma is an entity of salivary gland carcinoma that is characterized by the ETV6-NTRK3 gene fusion. Although it is generally considered to be a low-grade malignancy, some cases of secretory carcinoma with high-grade transformation (SCHG) have been reported. We herein describe a case of SCHG composed almost exclusively of the high-grade component. The patient presented with a growing mass in the buccal mucosa and underwent surgery. Tumor cells showing high-grade nuclear atypia were arranged in solid or cribriform nests with comedo-like necrosis. A differential diagnosis included high-grade salivary gland carcinoma, such as salivary duct carcinoma. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells were focally positive for S-100 and negative for mammaglobin and showed nuclear positivity for pan-Trk. A reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay showed that the tumor harbored the ETV6-NTRK3 gene fusion. A histological review of microscopic slides of the tumor did not reveal a typical secretory carcinoma component, except for a very focal area. We ultimately diagnosed this tumor as SCHG. This case underscores the importance of recognizing the histological spectrum of SCHG and the utility of pan-Trk immunohistochemistry to detect secretory carcinoma, which may be targeted by tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Automated summary

This case presents a rare instance of secretory carcinoma with high-grade transformation, with immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis aiding in the diagnosis of SCHG.