Abstract
Myoepitheliomas are rare benign tumors of myoepithelial cell origin, most commonly seen in parotid gland. These tumors are also reported in oral cavity, soft palate being the most common site of involvement. Imaging findings are nonspecific, and histopathology is necessary to differentiate from other tumors. Our case showed mildly enhancing well-circumscribed mass in soft palate with histological findings consistent with myoepithelioma. The aim of this case report is to increase the awareness about this rare benign tumor regarding its morphological, histopathological, and radiological features along with its possible differential diagnosis.
Highlights
Myoepitheliomas are rare benign neoplasm composed of ectodermally derived contractile smooth muscle cells, that is, myoepithelial cells which lack ductal differentiation
Myoepithelial cells are present in salivary glands, breast, larynx, and sweat glands of skin; myoepitheliomas are reported in these sites [1,2,3]
Myoepitheliomas were considered as variant of pleomorphic adenoma; it is considered as separate clinical entity according to WHO since 1991 [10]
Summary
Myoepitheliomas are rare benign neoplasm composed of ectodermally derived contractile smooth muscle cells, that is, myoepithelial cells which lack ductal differentiation. Myoepithelial cells are present in salivary glands, breast, larynx, and sweat glands of skin; myoepitheliomas are reported in these sites [1,2,3]. About 50% of salivary gland myoepitheliomas arise in parotid gland followed by sublingual gland (33%) and submandibular gland (13%) [4]. Myoepitheliomas arising in the oral cavity are very rare constituting 1.5% of all salivary gland tumors [5]. Myoepithelioma occurring in minor salivary glands of oral cavity accounts for 26% of all salivary gland myoepitheliomas and palate being the most common site [6,7,8,9]. Chondromyxoid matrix or osteoid formation is not seen in myoepitheliomas, it is characteristically present in pleomorphic adenoma. We present a very rare case of myoepithelioma arising from soft palate along with their imaging features, histological findings, and management
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