Canalicular adenoma of the upper lip: A case report

Abstract Objective: Canalicular adenoma is a relatively rare benign tumor of the salivary glands, found almost exclusively in the minor salivary glands of the upper lip. We report a case of canalicular adenoma in the upper labial mucosa of a male patient, highlighting the clinical and histopathological differential peculiarities compared to other lesions of similar location. The immunohistochemistry was considered decisive for diagnosis confirmation and differentiation from lesions that may have similar histological characteristics. Case Description: A 68-year-old melanoderm male patient sought dental care for an asymptomatic lesion in the upper lip, measuring 7 mm, with 1 year of evolution. Excisional biopsy, microscopic evaluation, and immunohistochemical assays were performed using antibodies against CK7, S-100, and vimentin antigens. The final diagnosis of canalicular adenoma was established through the consolidation of clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical data, taking into account the differential diagnosis of this lesion. After 1 year, the patient had no recurrences. Conclusion: Immunohistochemistry was a definitive tool for the final diagnosis, ruling out the possibility of other lesions with similar morphology.