Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of soft palate case report and literature review

Abstract

The epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) is a rare neoplasm of the salivary glands with an incidence <1% of all cancers affecting them. It commonly affects the parotid gland and less frequently the submandibular gland and minor salivary glands. EMC is a rare low-grade tumor characterized biphasic tubular structure composed by an internal layer of luminal ductal cells surrounded by clear cells of myoepithelial origin. The patient had good prognostic factors determined in previous studies, and achieved complete treatment-response. Further accumulation of cases and long-term follow-up data are needed to elucidate the pathophysiology and prognosis of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma.

Keywords

• Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma
• Palate
• Maxillofacial surgery