Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the hard palate mimicking a dental abscess: Case report

Abstract

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is a malignant tumor that arises from the salivary glands. The recommended treatment strategy typically involves surgical intervention, sometimes complemented by radiotherapy, depending on the histological grade of the tumor. A case of a 22-year-old female patient without medical history was described. The clinical examination revealed a bluish lesion located on the hard palate. The histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Resection of the lesion was performed and oro-nasal communication was immediately closed by a prosthetic obturator and later on by a rotational palate flap. The patient was followed up for 12 months, and there was no evidence of any recurrence. This article highlights the importance of prompt clinical diagnosis of such lesions and provides an opportunity to review these cancer therapeutic measures to reduce postoperative morbidity.