Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of Minor Salivary Gland: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC) is a glandular tumor characterized by large pools of extracellular mucin. The tumor can arise as a primary tumor of the major salivary glands. However, its occurrence is exceedingly rare and has only recently been recognized. Only few cases in the major salivary glands have been reported. This report is an additional case of MAC with origin in minor salivary gland at the oral floor. Immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor for cytokeratins 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 18 e 20, vimentin, SMA, CEA, EMA, p53, ki-67 e histochemical analysis for PAS, Alcian blue e mucicarmin was performed. Predominantly, the tumor expressed cytokeratins 7, 18 and 20 that are commonly found in simple epithelia. Therefore, was observed positivity to PAS, Alcian blue and mucicarmin. No other cancer has been detected. The tumor is considered to be a primary mucinous adenocarcinoma, being the twenty-third case in minor salivary gland reported in the literature and the fourth MAC located in the mouth floor.

Primary Mucinous Carcinoma of Buccal Mucosa: A Rare Case Report

“…Adjacent focus showed minor salivary gland proliferation. This finding suggest MAC of minor salivary gland origin [2][3][4].…”

“…Differential diagnosis includes metastatic mucinous adenocarcinoma of breast, mucinous eccrine carcinoma, and malignant salivary gland tumors like mucoepidermoid carcinoma and mucin rich salivary duct carcinoma [2,3]. In our case, radiological examination using a CT of chest, abdomen, and pelvis was done and there was no evidence of primary elsewhere.…”

“…In cases where histology has no evidence of minor salivary gland origin, imaging showing mass lesion elsewhere or mucin stains are inconclusive; immunohistochemistry should be done for confirmation [2,3]. Markers like cytokeratins, SMA, vimentin, and S-100 protein are positive in mucinous adenocarcinoma.…”

“…The role of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is controversial. Prognosis depends on the stage of the disease [2]. We report a case of mucinous adenocarcinoma of minor salivary gland in a 54-year-old male who came with complains of growth in the left buccal mucosa.…”

“…Mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC) of minor salivary gland is a rare high-grade malignant tumor, comprising less than 0.1 % of epithelial salivary gland tumors [2]. Only few cases of mucinous adenocarcinoma-cheek are reported till date in the literature.…”