Imaging Sci Dent.  2014 Jun;44(2):161-164. 10.5624/isd.2014.44.2.161.

Central mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the maxilla with unusual ground glass appearance and calcifications: A case report

• Suresh D
• Raviraj J
• Vijaykumar B
• Suman SV
• Suneel KV
• Amrutha K

• KMID: 1799599
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5624/isd.2014.44.2.161

Abstract

Mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MECs) arising within the jaws as primary central bony lesions are termed central MECs. Central MECs are extremely rare, comprising 2-3% of all mucoepidermoid carcinomas. We herein report a rare case of central MEC of the maxilla in a 52-year-old male whose plain radiographs showed a "ground glass" pattern and computed tomographic images, a hypodense mass with numerous calcifications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of central MEC showing a "ground glass" appearance.

Keyword

Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid; Maxilla; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

MeSH Terms

Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid*
Glass*
Humans
Jaw
Male
Maxilla*
Middle Aged
Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Figure

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  Fig. 1 A. A well-defined extraoral swelling is present on the left middle third of the face. B. A well-defined intraoral swelling is present on the left maxilla causing obliteration of the buccal vestibule.

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  Fig. 2 Periapical radiographs show a "ground glass" appearance and symmetric widening of the periapical ligament space of the teeth.

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  Fig. 3 Panoramic radiograph shows complete destruction of all walls of the left maxillary antrum with calcifications.

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  Fig. 4 A. A coronal computed tomographic (CT) image exhibits a large hypodense mass with calcifications involving the left maxillary antrum invading the orbit and the nasal fossa. B. Axial CT image shows numerous calcifications in the left maxillary alveolus region. C. Axial CT image shows calcifications in the left maxillary antrum with complete destruction of the antral walls.

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  Fig. 5 Histopathological sections reveal solid nests of epidermoid, intermediate, and occasional mucous cells; many of these tumor islands show central necrosis with dystrophic calcifications.

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