A case of central mucoepidermoid carcinoma arising in the mentum of the mandible

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma occasionally arises in the mandible, and the retromolar region is a common site. We describe an unusual case of central mucoepidermoid carcinoma in the mentum of the mandible that had a strong tendency to invade the mandible and metastasize to lymph nodes.A 56-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of a painlessly protruding mentum and hypoesthesia of the right lower lip. Radiological examination showed an ill-defined radiolucent lesion. A biopsy specimen histopathologically showed poorly differentiated mucoepidermoid carcinoma. For primary treatment, a sectional mandibulectomy, bilateral neck dissection, and reconstruction with a titanium plate and flaps were performed after induction radiochemotherapy. Pathological examination showed that the tumor was located mainly in the body of the mandible. Metastases to the paratracheal, subaortic, and para-aortic lymph nodes were found about 1 year after primary treatment, and radiation therapy was performed. However, the patient died of airway obstruction 1 year after radiation therapy.The case is reported with some comments based on review of the literature.