Hernández GR, Mérida MC, Guarneros LP, Aldape-Barrios B

Language: Spanish
References: 7
Page: 181-184
PDF size: 265.09 Kb.

ABSTRACT

The mucoepidermoid carcinoma is a malignant epithelial neoplasm of the salivary glands caused by a proliferation of secreting cells. They account for between 10 and 15% of all salivary gland neoplasia and are more common in women. Histologically, they consist of mucous-secreting, intermediate and epidermoid cells. Such carcinomas are classified according to three levels of malignancy: high, intermediate and low. At a low level of malignancy, there are more mucoussecreting cells and the neoplasm appears as an increase in volume measuring up to 4 cm anywhere in the oral cavity where there are salivary glands, a well-circumscribed asymptomatic mass with abundant areas containing mucinous cysts.
Objective: To present a case in which clinical symptoms suggested a reactive lesion in the form of a mucocele, and a histopathological study revealed the presence of a mucoepidermoid carcinoma.
Case: 58-year-old male with a swelling in the jugal mucosa region in left-hand fornix, developing over 2 years; asymptomatic and the same color as the adjacent mucosa; soft and mobile to the touch. Clinical diagnosis was consistent with a mucocele. An excisional biopsy was performed and the histopathological diagnosis was of a low-grade malignancy mucoepidermoid carcinoma, with cystic areas and abundant mucous-secreting cell. The patient was therefore referred to an oncology clinic for long-term treatment and follow-up.
Conclusions: A final diagnosis should be performed, incorporating clinical and histological data in order to ensure appropriate treatment is given. In this case, the patient was referred to an oncology clinic and the prognosis is very good, since the mucoepidermoid carcinoma was of low-grade malignancy.

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