Basal‐cell adenoma of the salivary gland: A benign adenoma that cytologically mimics adenoid cystic carcinoma

We describe the fine‐needle aspiration cytology of two cases of basal‐cell adenoma (BCA) of the parotid gland. Both consisted of groups of small uniform cells with scant cytoplasm and occasional single cells. Small amounts of metachromatic stroma were present in smears from one case. The cytologic and histologic similarities between (BCA) and the solid type of adenoid cystic carcinoma are emphasized. Unequivocal distinction between these two entities may not be possible by cytologic criteria alone.