Mucoepidermoid carcinoma: a case report of clear cell variant with calcification

Abstract

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is one of the most common malignant salivary gland tumours. It mainly affects the parotid gland and the minor salivary glands of the palate. It is classically characterised by three main cellular components: epidermoid, intermediate, and mucus-producing cells, and is graded according to its histological features. Some histological variants of MEC have been described, such as the clear cell, spindle cell, sclerosing, oncocytic and sebaceous subtypes. Calcification has also been reported in MEC, however it is a rare occurrence. There are few reported cases of calcification in MEC in the literature. A case report of a clear cell subtype ofMEC with calcifications in the soft palate is presented. A description of the histopathological features and the immunoprofile used to confirm the diagnosis is outlined. A brief literature review of this subtype of MEC and the significance of the presence of calcifications are also discussed in this case report.