Abstract

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of salivary glands usually presents as a locally aggressive malignancy. Bone metastases and skeletal related events occur seldom in its trajectory but impact prognosis. Here, we present the first case report describing pathological fracture of a long bone occurring in a patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the submandibular gland. The patient presented to the specialist palliative care clinic with pain and restricted movements of the arm in the absence of trauma. Radiological investigations were suggestive of a lytic lesion in the humerus with associated fracture. In view of the poor prognosis, she received conservative management and radiotherapy. Her symptoms were well controlled after titration of her analgesics and comprehensive care provided by the palliative care team. This case highlights the need to identify bone metastases in such patients and to take prophylactic measures to avoid associated skeletal related events.