Intraosseous mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the maxilla: A silent invader

Abstract

Intraosseous mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the jaw bones is an extremely rare malignant salivary gland tumor of unknown etiology. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is usually associated with salivary glands and comprises 5-10% of all salivary gland tumors. Its occurrence in the maxilla is even rarer. It is commonly seen in the posterior part of the mandible; the palate is the most common site for minor salivary gland involvement, accounting for 41.1% of intraoral lesions. The World Health Organization defines primary intra-osseous carcinoma arising de novo within the jaws (PIOC) as `a squamous cell carcinoma within the jaw, having no initial connection with the oral mucosa and presumably developing from residues of the odontogenic epithelium'. The early lesion (PIOC) shows asymptomatic nature often leading to delay of diagnosis or treatment. Despite its rarity and deceptive resemblance to odontogenic cyst and tumors, PIOC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of radiolucent jaw lesions. This article discusses in detail its clinical relevance with literature updates.