Fine needle aspiration cytology of low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland: A diagnostic challenge

Cytological diagnosis of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of parotid - A diagnostic dilemma

“…To know the involvement of margins by tumor cells is very important, since mucoepidermoid carcinoma are prone for recurrence. [2] In the present case margins were not involved.…”

“…[1] Identification of three types of cells: intermediate, mucus-producing and squamous cells in the smear is most predictive of mucoepidermoid carcinoma. [2] It is usually composed of varying amounts of epidermoid (squamoid) cells, intermediate cells, and mucocytes (often seen lining the microcysts). [5] Zajicek et al reported a diagnostic accuracy of 37% when all the 3 cellular components (epidermoid cells, intermediate cells and mucous cells) were present.…”

“…[1] Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the second most common tumor of the parotid gland in the pediatric age group after pleomorphic adenoma. [2] Of all salivary gland tumors, mucoepidermoid carcinoma is probably the most difficult to accurately diagnose by aspiration cytology. [3] At times the diagnosis of MEC (mainly low-grade tumors by FNA) can be difficult due to overlapping cytomorphology with benign lesions.…”

Cytodiagnosis of Pleomorphic Adenoma of Submandibular Gland with Cystic Degeneration: A Common Lesion with an Uncommon Presentation - A Case Report

“…Rupani et al suggested the importance of stringy mucin as the stringy nature helps to differentiate it from mucin seen in pleomorphic adenoma. [7] Cohen et al in their study had emphasized on the overlapping epithelial groups in MEC . [8] Batrani el al suggested a close a scrutiny for fragments of chondromyxoid stroma, since in its absence and with the presence of squamous, mucinous or sebaceous metaplasia, which can be seen in PA, the lesion may be misinterpreted as mucoepidermoid carcinoma on cytology.…”