Mucoepidermoid microcarcinoma in the context of parotid gland cyst

J Surg Case Rep. 2024 Apr 18;2024(4):rjae230. doi: 10.1093/jscr/rjae230. eCollection 2024 Apr.

Abstract

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is a type of salivary gland cancer that can develop in the context of a parotid gland cyst. This type of tumor is composed of mucous, epidermoid, and intercalated cells, and usually presents as a slow-growing and painless mass. A parotid gland cyst is a condition in which a fluid-filled sac forms in the parotid gland. The tumor can be masked as it develops within the parotid cyst. A 45-year-old female patient presented with a suspect of benign neoplasm of the major salivary gland. She underwent partial right parotidectomy, which upon pathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of mucoepidermoid microcarcinoma associated with parotid gland cysts. The patient did well and continues under regular follow-up with no further treatment.

Keywords: benign neoplasm of the major salivary gland; mucoepidermoid carcinoma; parotid gland cyst.

Publication types

  • Case Reports