Mucoepidermoid carcinoma at an uncommon location

Abstract

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) usually arises from salivary glands, representing 5–10% of all salivary gland tumors, and rarely arises in the jaws. MEC mainly occurs in the parotid gland; intraorally MEC appears as asymptomatic swellings in minor salivary glands, mostly on the palate, and contributes for 2.8–15% of all salivary gland tumors. Due to its great biological diversity, treatment and prognosis depend on the histological grade, location, and tumor stage. Here, we present a case of MEC in a female patient aged 65 years with emphasis on the importance of early diagnosis and proper management of the disease. Even when its clinical appearance is not suggestive of malignancy, the diagnosis of MEC should be considered in cases of proliferative oral lesions.

Keywords

• Minor salivary gland tumor
• mucoepidermoid carcinoma
• retromolar region