Hot spot on Tc-99 is seen in which parotid tumor?
**Core Concept**
The question is referring to a specific type of parotid tumor that is characterized by its uptake of Technetium-99m (Tc-99m), a radioactive tracer used in nuclear medicine imaging. This uptake is due to the tumor's metabolic activity and vascularity.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Warthin's tumor, also known as adenolymphoma, is a benign salivary gland tumor that is known to take up Tc-99m due to its high vascular and cellular activity. This characteristic makes it a "hot spot" on Tc-99m scans, allowing for its differentiation from other types of parotid tumors. Warthin's tumor typically presents as a slow-growing, painless mass in the parotid gland.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Pleomorphic adenoma, the most common type of benign salivary gland tumor, is typically not a "hot spot" on Tc-99m scans.
* **Option B:** Mucoepidermoid carcinoma, a type of malignant salivary gland tumor, may show some uptake on Tc-99m scans but is not as characteristic as Warthin's tumor.
* **Option C:** Basal cell adenoma, a rare type of benign salivary gland tumor, is not typically associated with Tc-99m uptake.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Warthin's tumor is the only parotid tumor that is consistently associated with Tc-99m uptake, making it a key differentiator in nuclear medicine imaging.
**Correct Answer:** C. Basal cell adenoma