MYOEPITHELIOMA OF THE SOFT PALATE

Abstract

Myoepithelioma is an uncommon benign salivary gland tumor almost exclusively composed of myoepithelial cells. This is a case of myoepithelioma occurring in the soft palate of a 73-year-old woman, who wears a complete upper denture. On intraoral examination, an ulcerated sessile normochromic swelling measuring approximately 1 cm in diameter was seen, which was present for 3 years. An incisional biopsy was performed, and the microscopic examination revealed a nonencapsulated proliferation of a variety of cells, including spindle, epithelioid, and plasmacytoid. They were arranged in nests and cords and were also dispersed within areas of hyalinized and myxoid stroma. Tumor cells were positive for smooth muscle actin, and S100 protein was in the immunohistochemical reaction, rendering the diagnosis of myoepithelioma. The patient was referred, received treatment by enucleation surgery, and is currently well with no signs of recurrence. Myoepithelioma is an uncommon benign salivary gland tumor almost exclusively composed of myoepithelial cells. This is a case of myoepithelioma occurring in the soft palate of a 73-year-old woman, who wears a complete upper denture. On intraoral examination, an ulcerated sessile normochromic swelling measuring approximately 1 cm in diameter was seen, which was present for 3 years. An incisional biopsy was performed, and the microscopic examination revealed a nonencapsulated proliferation of a variety of cells, including spindle, epithelioid, and plasmacytoid. They were arranged in nests and cords and were also dispersed within areas of hyalinized and myxoid stroma. Tumor cells were positive for smooth muscle actin, and S100 protein was in the immunohistochemical reaction, rendering the diagnosis of myoepithelioma. The patient was referred, received treatment by enucleation surgery, and is currently well with no signs of recurrence.