Abstract

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common type of minor salivary gland malignancy in adults. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma can also be found in other organs, such as bronchi, lacrimal sac and thyroid.

Mucicarmine staining is one stain used by pathologist for detection.

Epidemiology

Occurs in adults, with peak incidence from 20–40 years of age. A causal link with cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been strongly implicated in a 2011 research.

Clinical Features

Presents as painless, slow-growing mass that is firm or hard. Most appear clinically as mixed tumors.

Histology

This tumor is not encapsulated and is characterized by squamous cells, mucus-secreting cells, and intermediate cells.

Molecular biology

Mucoepidermoid carcinomas of the salivary and bronchial glands are characterized by a recurrent t(11;19)(q21;p13) chromosomal translocation resulting in a MECT1-MAML2 fusion gene. The CREB-binding domain of the CREB coactivator MECT1 (also known as CRTC1, TORC1 or WAMTP1) is fused to the transactivation domain of the Notch coactivator MAML2 .

A possible association with papillomavirus has been reported.

Prognosis

Generally, there is a good prognosis for low-grade tumors, and a poor prognosis for high-grade tumors.