Salivary gland, Mucoepidermoid carcinoma [LMP70237]

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Diagnostic Modality: 
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Disease Category: 
Neoplasia
Diagnosis: 
Low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Species: 
Human
Organ System: 
Head and Neck
Gender: 
Female
Age: 
61 years
Diagnosis Code: 
ICD-10: C07 | ICD-O: 8430/3
Slide Contributor Information
Basheer, M., MacMillan, C.

Clinical History

61 year-old woman presents with a right-sided parotid mass.

Clinical Discussion

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common malignant salivary gland tumour (16% of salivary gland tumours). Major glands are most commonly affected, followed by minor salivary glands. Clinically, it presents as a painless, asymptomatic slow-growing mass. Histologically, there are three basic cell types: mucin-secreting, epidermoid, and intermediate cells. Tumours show various proportions of cystic and solid areas.

Grade is one of the most important prognostic factors, followed by stage. Most tumours are low-grade with excellent prognosis. t(11;19)(q21;p13): CRTC1-MAML2 fusion-positive tumours have better prognosis. Aggressive behaviour is seen in mucoepidermoid tumours of submandibular glands, regardless of grade.

See Thompson, Lester D.R., Head and Neck Pathology. 2nd ed. 2013, for grading and outcome parameters.