Myoepithelioma of the head and neck

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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]

  1. 1.0 1.1

External links[edit | edit source]

Classification


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD