Central mucoepidermoid carcinoma radiographically mimicking an odontogenic tumor: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Central mucoepidermoid carcinoma (CMC) of the jaw bones is a rare malignant salivary gland tumor of unknown pathogenesis, comprising about 4% of all mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MECs). Most cases are histologically classified as a low-grade tumor and radiographically appear as a well-defined unilocular or multilocular radiolucent lesion. Block resection or wide local excisions are the treatment of choice and patients usually show a good overall prognosis although a long-term follow-up is necessary. This report describes a case of a 28-year-old male with MEC in the posterior region of the mandible and discusses its clinical, radiographic and histopathological findings. Although rare, CMC may be considered a differential diagnosis in cases of proliferative and osteolytic lesions in the oral cavity even when its clinical and/or radiographic findings do not suggest malignancy.

Intraosseous Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma Radiographically Mimicking a Cystic Lesion– A Case Report

“…Usually, it appears as a unilocular or multilocular radiolucent lesion with sclerotic and well-defined margins. Da Silva et al [6] reported mixed radiopaque-radiolucent lesion in mandible, Chundru et al [7], Kechagias et al [8], reported multilocular radiolucent lesion in maxilla and Nallamilli et al [9] reported unilocular radiolucent lesion in mandible; whereas our case present unilocular radiolucent lesion.…”

A Huge Lesion in the Maxillary Posterior Region Diagnosed High Grade Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of Minor Salivary Glands: A Case Report

“…The clinical features of our case showed that biopsy is essential for diagnosis, and clinical diagnosis may be misleading. Therefore, oral lesions may mimic each other and present very different clinical manifestations (12). In addition, just only examining radiologic images does not lead us to correct diagnosis, but it is essential for a total examination.…”

Cysts of the jaws and how to make their diagnoses under a microscope: a need for a better communication between clinicians and pathologists

“…Low-grade central mucoepidermoid carcinoma is typically treated through block resection, hemi-mandibulectomy, or hemi-maxillectomy, with or without additional treatment such as neck dissection or radiotherapy [24].…”