MUCOEPIDERMOID CARCINOMA OF THE PALATE: A CASE REPORT

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common malignant neoplasm of the salivary glands, accounting for 10% to 15% of all neoplasms in this region. We report a case of a 37-year-old male patient with light brown skin color presenting an extensive tumor lesion located on the soft palate, which was hardened, ulcerated, and asymptomatic with 5 months of evolution. With the clinical differential diagnosis of a malignant salivary gland neoplasm, an incisional biopsy was carried out. Microscopic examination revealed intense proliferation of atypical squamous epithelial cells, permeated by mucous and clear cells, eventually forming cystic spaces. Tumor cells were positive for mucicarmine and PAS. The histopathologic diagnosis was high-grade MEC. The patient was referred to an oncology center for definitive surgical treatment and radiotherapy. After 1 year of follow-up no signs of relapse or locoregional or distant metastasis have been observed. A discussion on the clinical, histopathologic, and therapeutic aspects of MEC will be provided.