Abstract
BACKGROUND: Secretory carcinoma (SC) represents a relatively new and less recognized subtype of salivary gland cancer among clinicians. The objective of our study was to shed light on this rare entity by providing an in-depth analysis of the clinical presentation, pathological characteristics, and treatment outcomes of five patients diagnosed with SC. We also sought to contribute to the understanding of the diagnostic criteria and prognostic factors associated with SC. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patients, treated at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, were aged between 33 and 40 years, with an average age of 33 years. Notably, none of the patients reported pain or noticed a mass initially; however, the mass became progressively larger over time. Diagnostic imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), led to the classification of four cases as benign and one as a low-grade malignancy. We meticulously documented the diagnostic and treatment journey of these patients, including the clinical data, histopathological findings, and subsequent treatment responses. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that SC is associated with a favorable prognosis. Nevertheless, the clinical presentation of SC lacks distinct features, necessitating a comprehensive approach that includes immunohistochemistry (IHC) and genetic testing for an accurate diagnosis. This study underscores the importance of recognizing SC as a distinct pathological entity to ensure appropriate patient management and improve outcomes.