MUCOEPIDERMOID CARCINOMA WITH UNUSUAL PRESENTATION: AN 8-YEAR FOLLOW-UP

Abstract

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common primary salivary malignancy comprised of mucinous, intermediate (clear-cell), and squamoid tumor cells. Intraosseous MECs are rare; however, our study presents a case of a 45-year-old female with an 8-year follow-up. The patient was diagnosed with an intermediate-grade MEC in the mandibular alveolar ridge and was submitted to partial mandibulectomy as treatment. An area of the base of the tongue and floor of the mouth were also included in the surgery to guarantee safety margins. At the same surgical time, reconstruction was performed using an osteochondral graft with subsequent exposure and loss. A mandibular reconstruction was then performed with a customized mandibular prosthesis and an orthognathic surgery to correct a type III facial deformity to restore a mandible properly. Finally, the patient was rehabilitated with a removable partial denture and hyaluronic acid fillers in the nasolabial fold and inferior lip regions to improve asymmetries. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common primary salivary malignancy comprised of mucinous, intermediate (clear-cell), and squamoid tumor cells. Intraosseous MECs are rare; however, our study presents a case of a 45-year-old female with an 8-year follow-up. The patient was diagnosed with an intermediate-grade MEC in the mandibular alveolar ridge and was submitted to partial mandibulectomy as treatment. An area of the base of the tongue and floor of the mouth were also included in the surgery to guarantee safety margins. At the same surgical time, reconstruction was performed using an osteochondral graft with subsequent exposure and loss. A mandibular reconstruction was then performed with a customized mandibular prosthesis and an orthognathic surgery to correct a type III facial deformity to restore a mandible properly. Finally, the patient was rehabilitated with a removable partial denture and hyaluronic acid fillers in the nasolabial fold and inferior lip regions to improve asymmetries.