Myoepithelioma of the head and neck
Myoepithelioma of the head and neck, also myoepithelioma, is a salivary gland tumour of the head and neck that is usually benign.[1]
As the name suggests, it consists of myoepithelial cells. Classically, they are found in the parotid gland or palate.[1] A similar tumor type may be found in the tongue, referred to as ectomesenchymal chondromyxoid tumor.
Pathology[edit | edit source]
The myoepithelial cells may be spindled, plasmacytoid, eithelioid or clear. Tubules or epithelium are absent, or present in a small amount (<5%) by definition. Tumours with myoepithelial cells and a large amount of tubules are classified as pleomorphic adenomas (which must also contain the characteristic chondromyxoid stroma, which is normally absent in myoepithelioma).
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Myoepitheliomas are diagnosed from an examination of the tissue by a pathologist.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Benign myoepithelioma are treated with simple excision. They are less prone to recurrence than pleomorphic adenoma.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
Classification |
---|
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD