Central mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the mandible: A case report

Abstract

Primary central salivary gland carcinomas of the mandible are uncommon neoplasms. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is a distinct pathologic entity of the salivary glands and comprises 5-10% of all salivary gland tumours. Central mucoepidermoid carcinomas (CMC) are extremely rare, comprising 2-3% of all mucoepidermoid carcinomas reported. This is a case report of central mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the anterior region of the mandible in a 37 year old female patient. Histopathological findings revealed a fibrous connective tissue within which are scattered islands, sheets and cords of neoplastic epidermoid and intermediate cell clusters exhibiting cellular pleomorphism and nuclear hyperchromatism. A diagnosis of central high grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma was made. The patient was thereafter referred to a tertiary institution with facilities for radiotherapy on account of the grade of the tumour.