Basal cell adenoma (BCA) of the parotid gland is a rare benign tumor. In the parotid gland, BCA is occasionally difficult distinguish from adenoid cystic carcinoma in terms of clinical and pathological perspectives. An adenoid cystic carcinoma of the parotid gland grows slowly but spreads persistently to the surrounding tissues, particularly along the perineural spaces. In the present case, BCA of the parotid gland was misdiagnosed as an adenoid cystic carcinoma. We discuss the reason for such a misdiagnosis, and present a method for making a correct diagnosis.