Korean J Dermatol.  2008 May;46(5):699-702.

A Case of Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of Minor Salivary GlandOccurring in the Buccal Mucosa

• Chung WK
• Rhee DY
• Chang SE
• Lee MW
• Choi JH
• Moon KC
• Koh JK

Abstract

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common primary salivary gland malignancy. About 60% of mucoepidermoid carcinomas occur in the major salivary glands and 35% in the minor glands, in which the palate and buccal mucosa are the most frequent sites. Histologically, tumor cells, composed of intermediate, mucous, epidermoid, and clear cells in widely varying proportions, form numerous sheets, islands, duct-like structures and cysts. Many foci of mucin production are prominent. Herein, we report a case of a 37-year-old man who presented a nodule on left buccal mucosa. After the diagnosis, he was referred to a dental surgeon, by whom the tumor was radically excised. But, tumor cells were observed at one of the resection margins. As a result, he received radiation therapies (6 weeks, 60 Gy). He is now undergoing regular follow ups without any signs of recurrence.

Keyword

Buccal mucosa; Minor salivary gland; Mucoepidermoid carcinoma

MeSH Terms

Adult
Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Islands
Mouth Mucosa
Mucins
Palate
Recurrence
Salivary Glands
Salivary Glands, Minor
Mucins