Mucoepidermoid carcinoma misdiagnosed as a palatal abscess: A diagnostic enigma

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) comprises approximately 10 – 15% of all salivary gland neoplasms and approximately 30% occur in minor salivary glands. Hard palate is the most common location for the tumors occurring in minor salivary glands, including mucoepidermod carcinoma. We report a case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma in 21 year old female which resembled a palatal abcess. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma, hence should be considered as one of the differential diagnosis when palatal swellings are observed and needs to be differentiated from odontogenic infection, thus avoiding unnecessary dental management to the teeth in that region.