LOW-GRADE MUCOEPIDERMOID CARCINOMA OF LOWER LIP MIMICKING MUCOCELE

Abstract

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common salivary gland malignancy, affecting primarily the parotid glands and the minor salivary glands of the palate. A 53-year-old male came to our service complaining of painless swelling in the lower lip of 15 years duration. The intraoral examination showed an exophytic lesion of 1 cm in diameter located in the labial mucosa of the lower lip. The lesion was multilobulated with sessile base, smooth surface, soft and fluctuant consistency. The clinical diagnosis was mucocele. Surgical procedures showed a well encapsulated mass associated with minor salivary glands, consisted of mucocele, being removed as a whole. Microscopically, multiple cystic spaces were seen composed of mucous, intermediate, and epithelioid cells, forming duct-like structures. The final diagnosis was low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The patient was referred to an oncology center. After 8 months follow-up, no recurrence was recorded. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common salivary gland malignancy, affecting primarily the parotid glands and the minor salivary glands of the palate. A 53-year-old male came to our service complaining of painless swelling in the lower lip of 15 years duration. The intraoral examination showed an exophytic lesion of 1 cm in diameter located in the labial mucosa of the lower lip. The lesion was multilobulated with sessile base, smooth surface, soft and fluctuant consistency. The clinical diagnosis was mucocele. Surgical procedures showed a well encapsulated mass associated with minor salivary glands, consisted of mucocele, being removed as a whole. Microscopically, multiple cystic spaces were seen composed of mucous, intermediate, and epithelioid cells, forming duct-like structures. The final diagnosis was low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The patient was referred to an oncology center. After 8 months follow-up, no recurrence was recorded.