Myoepithelioma of the head and neck

A rare type of tumor found in the head and neck region

Myoepithelioma of the head and neck is a rare type of tumor that arises from the myoepithelial cells of the salivary glands. These tumors are generally benign but can occasionally exhibit malignant behavior. Myoepitheliomas are part of a broader category of salivary gland neoplasms and are most commonly found in the parotid gland, although they can occur in other salivary glands and locations within the head and neck region.

Pathophysiology

Myoepitheliomas are composed predominantly of myoepithelial cells, which are contractile cells found in glandular tissue. These cells have characteristics of both epithelial cells and smooth muscle cells. In the salivary glands, myoepithelial cells play a role in the secretion of saliva by contracting and helping to expel saliva from the glandular ducts.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with myoepithelioma of the head and neck typically present with a painless, slow-growing mass. The tumor is usually well-circumscribed and can vary in size. While most myoepitheliomas are benign, some may exhibit aggressive features and have the potential to recur or metastasize.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of myoepithelioma is primarily based on histopathological examination. A biopsy of the tumor is performed, and the tissue is examined under a microscope. Myoepitheliomas are characterized by a variety of cell types, including spindle, plasmacytoid, and clear cells. Immunohistochemical staining is often used to confirm the diagnosis, with markers such as S-100 protein, cytokeratins, and smooth muscle actin being positive in myoepithelial cells.

Treatment

The primary treatment for myoepithelioma of the head and neck is surgical excision. Complete removal of the tumor with clear margins is the goal to prevent recurrence. In cases where the tumor exhibits malignant features, additional treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be considered.

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with benign myoepithelioma is generally excellent following complete surgical excision. However, the prognosis may vary for malignant myoepitheliomas, depending on the extent of the disease and the success of the treatment.

Related pages

• Salivary gland neoplasms
• Parotid gland
• Histopathology
• Immunohistochemistry