Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland: Clinicopathological analysis of 146 cases from a single institute

Background Parotid lymphoepithelial carcinoma (LEC) is a rare malignant tumor. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological features of parotid LEC. Methods All patients clinicopathological information diagnosed parotid LEC from 2005 to 2017 were analyzed. Results A total of 146 cases of parotid LECs were identified. Of these, 126 (86.3%) were primary and 20 (13.7%) were secondary LECs. Patients with secondary LEC tended to have tumors with earlier TNM staging than those with primary (p = 0.031). The tumor cells in 87 (94.6%, 87/92) cases tested positive for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Cervical node metastases were present at diagnosis in 46 (31.5%) cases. Overall survival at 5 and 10 years was 97.0% and 90.8%, respectively. Older age was an adverse prognostic indicator for overall survival (p < 0.001). Conclusions Parotid LEC is associated with EBV and an increased rate of cervical node metastases. However, most patients, especially younger ones, have a good prognosis.