Mucoepidermoid carcinoma

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is a type of cancer that originates from the salivary glands. It is the most common type of malignancy found in the salivary glands.

Epidemiology

MEC is most commonly found in adults between the ages of 30 and 50, but it can also occur in children. It is slightly more common in women than in men.

Pathophysiology

MEC arises from the exocrine glands, which are glands that secrete substances onto an epithelial surface by way of a duct. The tumor is composed of a mixture of cell types, including mucous-secreting cells and squamous cells.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with MEC often present with a painless mass in the parotid gland, which is the largest of the salivary glands. Other symptoms can include facial nerve paralysis, pain, and skin involvement.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of MEC is typically made through a combination of physical examination, imaging studies, and biopsy. Histopathology is used to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the grade of the tumor.

Treatment

The primary treatment for MEC is surgical removal of the tumor. Radiation therapy may also be used, particularly in cases where the tumor is high-grade or if it has spread to the lymph nodes.

Prognosis

The prognosis for MEC varies depending on the grade of the tumor and the extent of disease at the time of diagnosis. Low-grade tumors have a good prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of over 90%. High-grade tumors have a poorer prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 50%.

See Also

• Salivary gland neoplasm
• Adenoid cystic carcinoma
• Acinic cell carcinoma

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma Resources
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