Abstract
BackgroundMalignant myoepithelioma is a relatively rare malignant tumor occurring most frequently in the salivary glands. A few isolated cases have been described in other locations, including soft tissue, bone, lung, bronchus, oral cavity, nasopharynx, larynx, and maxillary sinus. Malignant myoepithelioma, however, is uncommonly involved within the cavernous sinus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of malignant myoepithelioma arising from within the cavernous sinus.Case presentationHerein, we report a case of a 48-year-old woman who presented a 1-month history of diplopia and blepharoptosis as well as radiological evidence of a rapidly developing cavernous sinus tumor. The patient underwent a trans-sphenoidal biopsy and a histological diagnosis indicated a malignant myoepithelioma. After diagnosis, the tumor grew rapidly and her clinical condition deteriorated progressively. Therefore, a pterional craniotomy with partial tumor removal was performed. The patient’s clinical state was worsened, and she died two months after the initial operation. Because the malignant myoepithelioma could not be traced to an organ of origin, other than the cavernous sinus, this case was diagnosed as a primary intracranial malignant myoepithelioma.ConclusionThe purpose of presenting this case report is to raise awareness among clinicians to consider malignant myoepithelioma as a differential diagnosis when a cavernous sinus mass is identified. Furthermore, an ideal management strategy for malignant myoepithelioma is not known and the prognosis seems to be unfavorable; therefore, more cases are needed to enhance our knowledge of the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this rare intracranial lesion.
Highlights
Malignant myoepithelioma is a relatively rare malignant tumor occurring most frequently in the salivary glands
An ideal management strategy for malignant myoepithelioma is not known and the prognosis seems to be unfavorable; more cases are needed to enhance our knowledge of the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this rare intracranial lesion
Malignant myoepithelioma, called myoepithelial carcinoma, is a malignant tumor that usually occurs in the salivary glands
Summary
Intracranial malignant myoepithelioma is an extremely rare or often misdiagnosed lesion. This is the first reported case of a malignant myoepithelioma arising within the cavernous sinus. The prognosis of malignant myoepithelioma seems to be unfavorable; more cases are needed to enhance our knowledge of the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this rare intracranial lesion. Hong and Wu revised the manuscript that led to the final approval of the current submission. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Author details 1Department of Neurosurgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88# Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China. Author details 1Department of Neurosurgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88# Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China. 2Department of Neurosurgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 3# East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China. 3Department of physiology, Loma linda university, Risley Hall 11041 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
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