Fine-needle aspiration cytology of myoepithelial carcinoma of salivary gland: Diagnostic challenge to cytopathologist

Abstract

Myoepithelial carcinoma (MC) is rare malignant salivary gland neoplasm and its cytologic features have been rarely described in the literature. Furthermore, MC shows varied cell types and patterns leading to the wide range of differential diagnosis on cytology. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) are necessary to make a definite diagnosis. A 37-year-old female presented with painless, progressive swelling in the infra-auricular region since 2 years. Fine-needle aspiration cytology was performed and cytological possibilities of cellular pleomorphic adenoma and myoepithelial cell neoplasm were rendered and patient was advised excision and histopathologic examination for final diagnosis and subtyping. Final diagnosis of MC was made on hematoxylin and eosin sections and IHC. MC is rare malignant salivary gland tumor showing a clinic-pathologic diversity. The cytological features of MC are diverse and may lack overt feature of malignancy. Pathologists should be aware of this entity while evaluating cytological smears of salivary gland mass.