Epithelial-myoepithelial Carcinoma Research Articles

Clinicopathological analysis of hybrid carcinomas of the salivary glands: A systematic review

Hybrid carcinomas (HC) are the association of two or more malignant neoplasms arising within the same topographical area. The present study is a systematic review of HC of the salivary glands. This study aimed to assess HC clinicopathological features and molecular profile. Observational studies, case series, and case reports were included. PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Lilacs, Web of Science, and gray literature were searched until June 2024. A total of 18 articles including 34 patients were included. HC of the salivary glands is presented as a painless mass affecting mainly the parotid gland of adults with a preference for male patients. Histologically, adenoid cystic carcinoma and epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma were the most prevalent association, being surgical excision with radiotherapy the most common treatment. It's seen that the most aggressive component might guide the patient's treatment and prognosis. Further molecular studies are necessary to determine if HC are distinct entities or biologically identical to the individual neoplasms. In conclusion, this systematic review may contribute to a better understanding of this rare lesion, their biological behavior, treatments employed, and the outcome of these patients.

Expanding the Molecular Spectrum of Carcinoma Ex Pleomorphic Adenoma: An Analysis of 84 Cases With a Novel HMGA2::LINC02389 Fusion.

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) is an aggressive epithelial and/or myoepithelial neoplasm that arises in association with a pleomorphic adenoma (PA). Its etiopathogenesis remains poorly understood, but it is believed that the development of this tumor is due to the accumulation of genetic, protein, metabolic, and epigenetic alterations in a PA. A retrospective review of the Salivary Gland Tumor Registry in Pilsen yielded 84 CXPA, namely 25/84 salivary duct carcinoma (SDC), 15/84 myoepithelial carcinoma (MC), 1/84 epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC), and 1/84 adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC). All 84 CXPA cases were analyzed by next-generation sequencing (NGS) and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Forty-three tumors originally diagnosed as CXPA (43/84, 51.2%) showed some molecular alteration. Fusion transcripts were identified in 12/16 (75%) CXPA, including LIFR::PLAG1, CTNNB1::PLAG1, FGFR1::PLAG1, and a novel fusion, HMGA2::LINC02389. Most of the fusions were confirmed by FISH using PLAG1 (6/11) and HMGA2 (1/1) gene break probes. Split signals indicating gene break were identified by FISH for PLAG1 (12/17), HMGA2 (3/4), EWSR1 (7/22), and MYB (2/7). Concerning pathogenic mutations, only CXPA with epithelial differentiation (SDC) presented these alterations, including HRAS mutation (2/4), TP53 (1/4), PTEN (1/4), and ATK1 (1/4). In addition, amplifications in ERBB2 (17/35), MDM2 (1/4), and EWSR1 (1/7) were detected. A novel finding was the discovery of an HMGA2::LINC02389 fusion in 1 patient with EMC ex-PA. The present results indicate that molecular profiling of CXPA with myoepithelial differentiation (MC) tends to reveal chromosomal fusion events, whereas CXPA with epithelial differentiation (SDC) tends to have a higher frequency of pathogenic mutations and gene amplifications.

Expanding the spectrum of low-grade sinonasal adenocarcinoma with biphasic seromucinous differentiation and activating HRAS/AKT1 mutations.

Low-grade non-intestinal-type sinonasal adenocarcinoma (LGSNAC) is a rare heterogeneous and poorly characterised group of tumours, distinct from intestinal- and salivary-type neoplasms. Therefore, further characterisation is needed for clearer biological understanding and classification. Clinical, histological and molecular characterisation of four cases of biphasic, low-grade adenocarcinomas of the sinonasal tract was performed. All patients were male, aged between 48 and 78 years, who presented with polypoid masses in the nasal cavity. Microscopically, virtually all tumours were dominated by tubulo-glandular biphasic patterns, microcystic, focal (micro)papillary, oncocytic or basaloid features. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed biphasic differentiation with an outer layer of myoepithelial cells. Molecular profiling revealed HRAS (p.G13R, p.Q61R) mutations, and concomitant AKT1 (p.E17K, p.Q79R) mutations in two cases. Two cases showed potential in-situ/precursor lesions adjacent to the tumour. Follow-up periods ranged from 1 to 30 months, with one case relapsing locally after 12 and > 20 years. This study further corroborates a distinct biphasic low-grade neoplasm of the sinonasal tract with seromucinous differentiation. Although morphological and molecular features overlap with salivary gland epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma, several arguments favour categorising these tumours within the spectrum of LGSNAC.

Outcome of Primary Lung Salivary Gland-Type Carcinoma: A Population-Based Study.

Introduction. Primary pulmonary salivary gland-type carcinomas are rare malignancies arising from minor salivary gland tissue in the lower respiratory tract. Given their rarity, constituting <1% of all primary lung malignancies, their epidemiological features and outcomes remain poorly documented. This study analyzed data from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to identify primary pulmonary salivary gland carcinomas, including the most prevalent tumor types. Methods. All patients diagnosed with mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma, with the lung designated as the primary site between 1975 and 2019, were subject to analysis. Overall and disease-specific survival were calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models. Results. The study identified 323 mucoepidermoid carcinoma, 284 adenoid cystic carcinoma, and 6 epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma diagnosed as pulmonary salivary gland-type carcinoma. An analysis of age distribution revealed a unimodal pattern for both mucoepidermoid carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma, with most patients diagnosed after age 40. Most patients were Caucasians (77% for mucoepidermoid carcinoma and 83% for adenoid cystic carcinoma). Both disease-specific and overall survival were worse for patients diagnosed at the age of 60 years or above. Race or sex did not significantly impact patient survival. High-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma demonstrated a significantly worse prognosis than low or intermediate-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Conclusion. A comprehensive review of clinical and epidemiological features of pulmonary salivary gland-type carcinomas reveals that the age of diagnosis and tumor grade are the most significant factors in determining patient survival.

MAJOR SALIVARY GLAND TUMORS: SINGLE INSTITUTION EXPERIENCE

IntroductionThe study analyses the occurrence and treatment outcomes of tumors of the major salivary glands in our patients.Material and methodsBetween 2019 and March 2023, a total of 182 salivary gland surgeries were conducted at our clinic. Of these, 111 were on females aged 18 to 76 years, and 71 on males aged 18 to 82 years. Diagnosis comprised a medical history, otolaryngological physical examination, ultrasonography (USG), fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of tumor, laboratory tests (CBC, CRP), and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).ResultsPredominantly (176 patients), benign tumors and neoplasms were found in the parotid salivary gland. Histopathology most commonly revealed pleomorphic adenoma (PA, 74 cases) and Warthin’s tumor (WT, 70 cases). Other benign tumors and neoplasms made up only 18% of cases. Malignant neoplasms were only identified in the parotid salivary gland in 3.3% of cases; these were diagnosed as epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, acinic cell carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and ductal carcinoma.ConclusionsIn our dataset, most patients with tumors of the major salivary glands were operated on at ages above 60 years. A low incidence of malignant tumors and a high incidence of WT of the large salivary glands were observed. The main postoperative complication was facial nerve paresis in 7.6% of cases.

Clinical outcomes and prognostic factors in epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) of the breast.

e12529 Background: EMC is a biphasic neoplasm of the breast and comprises of malignant components derived from both luminal epithelium and myoepithelium. Most of the published data on EMC consists of individual case reports, and hence survival outcomes and prognosis are not clearly defined to guide evidence‐based management. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, survival outcomes, and prognostic factors in patients with EMC. Methods: All women with a histologic diagnosis of EMC irrespective of age and stage at diagnosis till 2018 in the National Cancer Database (NCDB) were included (N=111). Overall survival (OS) was assessed utilizing the Kaplan–Meier method and compared among groups using the log-rank test. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 67 years, and 101 (88.6%) were greater than 50 years of age. Most women were white (84.7%), non-Hispanic (91.9%), had a Charleston-Deyo score of 0-1 (95.5%), and treated at an academic or comprehensive community cancer programs (70.2%). Ten percent of patients were ER+/Her2-, 29.7% were ER-/Her2-, 0.9% were Her2+, 5.4% were ER+/Her2 unknown, 24% were ER-/Her2 unknown, and 29.7% had no data on ER status. Almost one-third of the women had poorly differentiated or undifferentiated tumors. Of the patients with available data, 46.7% had tumor ≤2 cm and more than 97% had no lymph node involvement or metastases. Most underwent surgical resection- radical mastectomy (16.2%), total mastectomy (18.9%), and partial mastectomy (56.8%). Chemotherapy and radiation were utilized in 35.2% and 40.6% of the women, respectively. At a median follow up of 67.6 months, the 3-year and 5-year OS was 81.6% and 74.3% respectively. The 5-year OS was 82.7%, 76.5%, and 50% for tumor ≤2 cm, 2-5 cm, and &gt;5 cm respectively (p=0.009). Details on 5-year OS based on chemotherapy, radiation, and tumor size are shown in the table below. Among women who underwent lumpectomy (N=35), the 5-year OS for those who received adjuvant radiation vs surgery alone was 81.9% vs 76% (p=0.4). Conclusions: EMC demonstrates distinctive clinicopathologic features and receptor status. Administration of chemotherapy or radiation was associated with improved OS in tumors &gt;5 cm, although small sample size and lack of recurrence data may limit this conclusion. Further studies using larger cohorts are needed to demonstrate objective efficacy of systemic treatment in lymph node positive and metastatic EMC. [Table: see text]

Reconstructive strategies following surgical resection of malignant sublingual gland tumors: A single institution experience

ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics and treatment modalities of malignant tumors originating from the sublingual gland, as well as evaluate the therapeutic outcomes following free flap reconstruction. MethodsA retrospective statistical analysis was conducted on the clinical data of nine patients diagnosed with malignant neoplasms tumor of the sublingual gland. ResultsNine case of malignant tumors originated from the sublingual glandular tissue, encompassing eight adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and a single case of bipartite differentiated carcinoma—a hybrid of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma. Among the nine patients, four anterolateral thigh flaps were used (three of which were thin flaps), and five forearm flaps were also empoyed. The size of flaps varied, with the lengths ranging from 4 cm to 9 cm, and the widths ranging from 2.5 cm to 6 cm. The vessels chosen for anastomosis were the superior thyroid artery in seven cases, the facial artery in one case, and the lingual artery in one case. Among the eight patients who underwent dissection of cervical lymph nodes, metastasis were found in one case. Two patients underwent adjuvant radiotherapy. Upon postoperative follow-up, there was no recurrence in any of the nine patients . ConclusionThe anterolateral thigh perforator flap thinning technique can be employed for postoperative reconstruction of malignant sublingual gland tumors.

Salivary gland-type cancers: cross-organ demographics of a rare cancer.

Salivary gland-type cancers (SGTCs) are histologically heterogeneous and can affect organs other than the salivary glands. Some tumors outside the salivary glands are diagnosed on their unique histological characteristics. Comprehensive cross-organ studies on SGTCs are limited. We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with salivary duct carcinoma (SDC), adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC), acinic cell carcinoma (AcCC), and polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC) who visited our institution between 2009 and 2019. The primary tumor sites were classified into four categories; major salivary glands, head/neck (H/N) excluding (exc) major salivary glands (MSG) regions, broncho-pulmonary regions, and "others". H/N exc MSG was further divided into three subcategories, nasal/paranasal sinus, oral and pharynx/larynx. We identified 173 patients with SGTCs, with SDC, AdCC, MEC, EMC, AcCC, and PAC accounting for 20%, 42%, 27%, 3%, 8%, and 1% of the cases, respectively. The most frequent primary site was the major salivary glands (64%), followed by H/N exc MSG regions (27%), broncho-pulmonary regions, and "others", thus non-salivary gland origins accounted for 9% of all cases. Patients with SDC, MEC, AcCC, or SGTC of the major salivary glands and broncho-pulmonary regions were more frequently treated by surgery. The overall survival time of the patients with MEC was significantly better than that of patients with SDC or EMC. This cross-organ study highlights the clinical significance of SGTCs, underscoring the need for developing novel therapies for this rare disease entity.

SALTT study: A retrospective analysis of 111 SAlivary gland tumors of Lung and Tracheobronchial Tree

IntroductionPrimary pulmonary salivary gland-type tumours (PPSGT) are rare lung neoplasms arising from submucosal seromucinous glands in the central airway. Methods and resultsWe retrospectively analysed the clinicopathological features of 111 PPSGTs diagnosed at our institute between 2003 and 2021. The mean age at diagnosis was 43.8 years(range 6–78 years) and a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. On imaging, 92 % of cases had centrally located tumours and 37.3 % were early stage. The histopathological types included 70 cases (63 %) of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), 31 cases (27.7 %) of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ADCC), two cases of myoepithelial carcinoma, one case each of acinic cell carcinoma (ACC), clear cell carcinoma (CCC), epithelial myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) and 5 others [including adenocarcinoma of minor salivary gland origin(n = 3), carcinoma with sebaceous differentiation(n = 1) and poorly differentiated carcinoma of salivary gland type(n = 1)]. The size of the tumours found in the resection specimens ranged from 1 cm to 13 cm, with an average size of 4.9 cm. High-risk attributes such as lymphovascular invasion (LVI), perineural invasion (PNI), pleural involvement, positive resection margins, and nodal metastasis were identified in 15.3 %, 15.3 %, 13.6 %,15.2 % and 6.7 % of cases, respectively. These attributes were found to be more frequent in ADCC than in MEC. Surgery was the main treatment modality [68/84 (80 %) cases]. ADCC cases had more recurrence and distant metastasis than MEC cases. The 3- year overall-survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival(RFS) were better in patients with age lesser than 60 years(p-value <0.0001), low pT stage (p-value 0.00038) and lower grade of MEC(p-value-0.0067). ConclusionIt is crucial to have an acquaintance with the morphologic spectrum and immunophenotypic characteristics of PPSGT to recognize them in this unusual location. In tandem, it is crucial to differentiate them from conventional primary non-small cell lung carcinoma, as the management protocols and prognostic implications differ significantly.

Algorithm for the reconstruction of the parotid region: a single institution experience

ObjectiveThis study aims to discuss the characteristics and treatment methods of malignant tumors in the parotid region, as well as the therapeutic effects of immediate free flap reconstruction of soft tissue for postoperative defects.Materials and methodsA retrospective review was conducted on 11 cases of soft tissue flap reconstruction for postoperative defects following the resection of malignant tumors in the parotid region. Statistical analysis was performed based on clinical data.ResultsAmong the 11 cases of malignant tumors in the parotid region, there were 2 cases of secretory carcinoma (SC) of the salivary gland, 2 cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 2 cases of carcinosarcoma, 1 case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), 1 case of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC), 1 case of salivary duct carcinoma (SDC), 1 case of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and 1 case of osteosarcoma. Among these cases, 4 were initial diagnoses and 7 were recurrent tumors. The defect repairs involved: 8 cases with anterolateral thigh free flap (ALTF), 2 cases with pectoralis major muscle flaps, and 1 case with forearm flap. The size of the flaps ranged from approximately 1 cm × 3 cm to 7 cm × 15 cm. The recipient vessels included: 4 cases with the facial artery, 4 cases with the superior thyroid artery, and 1 case with the external carotid artery. The ratio of recipient vein anastomosis was: 57% for branches of the internal jugular vein, 29% for the facial vein, and 14% for the external jugular vein. Among the 8 cases that underwent neck lymph node dissection, one case showed lymph node metastasis on pathological examination. In the initial diagnosis cases, 2 cases received postoperative radiotherapy, and 1 case received 125I seed implantation therapeutic treatment after experiencing two recurrences. Postoperative follow-up revealed that 2 cases underwent reoperation due to local tumor recurrence, and there were 2 cases lost to follow-up. The survival outcomes after treatment included: one case of distant metastasis and one case of death from non-cancerous diseases.ConclusionImmediate soft tissue flap reconstruction is an important and valuable option to address postoperative defects in patients afflicted with malignant tumors in the parotid region.

A Case of Dedifferentiated Epithelial Myoepithelial Carcinoma Presenting as a High-grade Parotid Carcinoma

A Case of Dedifferentiated Epithelial Myoepithelial Carcinoma Presenting as a High-grade Parotid Carcinoma

Clinical Features and Prognosis of Primary Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma of Salivary Gland: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database-Based Study.

The clinical characteristics and prognosis of primary epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of salivary gland (EMC-SG) have not been defined well due to its rarity. The purpose of this study is to assess the proportion of EMC-SG among salivary gland cancers, describe the clinicopathological features and prognosis of this disease, further analyze the factors associated with EMC-SG survival, and establish individual survival-predicting models. Data on patients diagnosed with salivary gland malignancy between 2000 and 2020 were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were employed to estimate survival of EMC-SG patients. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were developed to determine the EMC-SG survival-associated factors. Furthermore, EMC-SG nomograms were constructed. A total of 15212 patients with salivary gland malignancy were identified. Of these, 310 cases were diagnosed with EMC-SG, representing a prevalence of 2.03% (95%CI 1.82%-2.28%). The overall survival (OS) rates for all 310 EMC-SG patients at 2-year, 5-year, and 10-year were 92.43%, 84.85%, and 73.39%, respectively. Age, primary site, and T stage were independent prognostic factors for OS, while pathological grade and the use of surgery were independent prognostic factors for cancer-specific survival (CSS). The concordance index (C-index) for the OS- and CSS-specific nomograms was 0.72 (95%CI 0.64-0.80) and 0.77 (95%CI 0.67-0.87), respectively. The calibration curve and receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that the predicted values aligned well with the actual observations. Decision curve analysis indicated the superiority of the nomograms over the traditional Tumor Node Metastasis staging system. This study represents the largest cohort of EMC-SG patients used to investigate the characteristics and prognosis of this disease. EMC-SG patients often have a less aggressive course and favorable prognosis. The established nomograms provide a useful tool for clinicians to predict patient outcomes, and can assist in customizing the counseling approach for this rare disease.

A Rare Case of Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma Breast in A Young Female with HER2neu Positivity

Epithelial-myoepithelial tumors of breast are biphasic neoplasms, with dual participation of epithelial and myoepithelial components. It is a very rare tumor, common in elderly females. EMC breast resembles its salivary gland counterpart, which itself forms less than 1% of all salivary gland tumors. Herein, we report one such rare case of EMC breast in a young female with aberrant HER2 positivity, a feature not yet reported in literature.

Pan-cancer spatially resolved single-cell analysis reveals the crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor microenvironment

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a heterogeneous cell population that plays a crucial role in remodeling the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, through the integrated analysis of spatial and single-cell transcriptomics data across six common cancer types, we identified four distinct functional subgroups of CAFs and described their spatial distribution characteristics. Additionally, the analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from three additional common cancer types and two newly generated scRNA-seq datasets of rare cancer types, namely epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), expanded our understanding of CAF heterogeneity. Cell–cell interaction analysis conducted within the spatial context highlighted the pivotal roles of matrix CAFs (mCAFs) in tumor angiogenesis and inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs) in shaping the immunosuppressive microenvironment. In patients with breast cancer (BRCA) undergoing anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, iCAFs demonstrated heightened capacity in facilitating cancer cell proliferation, promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and contributing to the establishment of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Furthermore, a scoring system based on iCAFs showed a significant correlation with immune therapy response in melanoma patients. Lastly, we provided a web interface (https://chenxisd.shinyapps.io/pancaf/) for the research community to investigate CAFs in the context of pan-cancer.

Recent developments in the pathology of primary pulmonary salivary gland-type tumours.

Primary pulmonary salivary gland-type tumours are rare neoplasms that are thought to arise from seromucinous glands that are located in the submucosa of large airways. These neoplasms have clinical and pathologic features that are distinct from other pulmonary neoplasms. The majority of primary pulmonary salivary gland-type tumours are malignant, with the most common entities being mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma. Less commonly seen are myoepithelial carcinoma, hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma, acinic cell carcinoma, secretory carcinoma, salivary duct carcinoma, intraductal carcinoma, and polymorphous adenocarcinoma. Benign salivary gland-type tumours of the lung include pleomorphic adenoma and sialadenoma papilliferum. Morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular features of these neoplasms are largely similar to salivary gland tumours elsewhere, and therefore the exclusion of metastatic disease requires clinical and radiologic correlation. However, the differential diagnostic considerations are different in the lung. The distinction of salivary gland-type tumours from their histologic mimics is important for both prognostication and treatment decisions. Overall, salivary gland type-tumours tend to have a more favourable outcome than other pulmonary carcinomas, although high-grade variants exist for many of these tumour types. Recent advances in our understanding of the spectrum of salivary gland-type tumours reported in the lung and their diversity of molecular and immunohistochemical features have helped to refine the classification of these tumours and have highlighted a few differences between salivary gland-type tumours of the lung and those primary to other sites.

Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma of the Palate on Pleomorphic Adenoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature: Experience of the Oncology-Radiotherapy Department of the Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) is a rare malignant tumor of the salivary glands, mainly affecting the parotid gland. Its association with a pleomorphic adenoma is exceptional. We report the case of a 64-year-old Moroccan woman with a pleomorphic adenoma of the palate that had been evolving for several years. The recent increase in the mass associated with the appearance of homolateral cervical adenopathies led us to think of a malignant transformation. Final histological examination after resection of the mass showed an unexpected association of a pleomorphic adenoma and EMC. EMC is a low-grade malignant tumor. It can arise de novo or on a pleomorphic adenoma. Malignant transformation of the adenoma is suspected when the volume of the adenoma increases rapidly, with the appearance of cervical adenopathy. However, these clinical changes may herald the appearance of a distinct tumor. Despite its tendency to local recurrence and low metastatic potential, rare cases of EMC may exhibit aggressive behavior and distant metastases. Treatment consists mainly of complete surgical resection if possible, followed by radiotherapy to prevent local recurrence, and this is the treatment our patient received in this case.

Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma of the Nasal Cavity: A Case Report.

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma is an extremely rare tumor of the nasal cavity. We present a case involving a 67-year-old female with symptoms of nasal obstruction and recurrent epistaxis. An investigation with endoscopy and CT was performed. The patient underwent endoscopic surgical resection. Microscopic positive margins were present after extensive resection. The patient underwent radiotherapy utilizing proton therapy and has been disease free for 6 months at follow-up.

Cystic lesions in the salivary gland. Pitfalls to be avoided on cytology.

Cystic lesions of the salivary glands are very uncommon entities. However, on occasion, some neoplasms of the salivary glands show a cystic component, which may be predominant or only partially cystic. Basal cell adenoma, canalicular adenoma, oncocytoma, sebaceous adenoma, intraductal papilloma, epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma, intraductal carcinoma, and secretory carcinoma are such cystic entities. Cystic degeneration and necrosis, which can develop within solid tumours, represent another possibility. The ability to recognise this type of lesion is a challenge in diagnostic cytology because hypocellular fluid is frequently recovered. Furthermore, evaluating all of the differential diagnoses for cystic lesions of the salivary glands is helpful in obtaining the correct diagnosis. Herein, we evaluate the various types of cystic lesions within the salivary glands.

Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma of Nasal Cavity at an Unusual Age: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) was recognised as a distinct pathologic entity in World Health Organisation classification. It is an extremely rare low grade carcinoma of salivary gland, with characteristic biphasic tubular structures. It predominantly occurs in Parotid gland but can also be seen in nasopharynx, lacrimal gland, paranasal sinuses, larynx, lung. Nasal EMC (excluding the paranasal sinuses as primary tumour site) are very rare with only 13 cases reported till date. In this case report, we described a case of nasal EMC extending into nasopharynx, its clinical features and management. We have also done a literature review of all the relevant cases of nasal EMC. We searched the PubMed database for articles between January 1950 and December 2022 for nasal EMC for this review. We found 13 relevant case reports of nasal EMC and median age was 58years with female preponderance. We found that our patient was the youngest to be reported till date. Two cases, including the current study, showed epicentre of the tumour in posterior nasal cavity, extending to choana and nasopharynx. Most common presentation was epistaxis, followed by nasal obstruction. Only 4 out of 14 cases had information on surgical margin status, out of which only one has positive surgical margin. Five patients (including the patient in the current study) received adjuvant radiotherapy; however 6 patients (42.8%) did not receive any adjuvant radiotherapy.

Repeated Surgery in a Case of Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland that was Difficult to Distinguish from Pleomorphic Adenoma.

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) of the parotid gland is a comparatively rare tumor that accounts for less than 1% of all salivary gland tumors. A patient with EMC of the parotid gland that was initially diagnosed as pleomorphic adenoma and that recurred locally during the watchful waiting period but was controlled by surgery under local anesthesia is reported. An 80-year-old man had noticed a swelling in the left infra aural region. A left parotid gland tumor was suspected, and he was referred to our department. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fine-needle aspiration cytology findings were suggestive of pleomorphic adenoma of the superficial lobe of the parotid gland, and this was therefore resected under general anesthesia. Postoperative histopathological examination, immunostaining, and genetic tests resulted in a diagnosis of EMC. Postoperative pathological review showed that part of the resection margin was positive. The possibility of recurrence was explained to the patient, and additional treatment was recommended, but since the patient did not desire this, a policy of watchful waiting was adopted. Signs of cutaneous metastasis in the left infra aural region were detected at 13 months postoperatively, and this metastasis was excised under local anesthesia. The resection margin was negative, and the patient's course remains uneventful. EMC is classified as a low-grade malignant tumor, but it requires stringent monitoring because of its frequent local recurrence. Since local control can usually be achieved by surgical treatment alone, and postoperative adjuvant therapy may not necessarily warranted.