Warthin-like mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland: a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common malignant salivary gland tumor. Although the parotid gland is the most common site of involvement, other major salivary glands and the minor salivary glands­most commonly of the palate­also can be involved. The management of mucoepidermoid carcinoma depends on the grade of the tumor and the adequacy of resection. We present the case of a 56-year-old female presenting a painless progressive cheek mass over 2 months. Imaging and fine-needle aspiration cytology provided the diagnosis of Mucoepidermoid carcinoma. A superficial parotidectomy was done, and the histopathology revealed a predominantly cystic tumor with a bilayered epithelium of oncocytic and basal cells. Moderate nuclear pleomorphism with infiltration of atypical squamous cells in few glandular cysts was seen. Special staining revealed the presence of intracellular mucin. A diagnosis of Warthin-like variant of MEC was made, based on these findings. After the surgical procedures, the patient is disease-free at 8 months of follow-up. The Warthin-like variant is a rare variant of MEC with fewer than 10 cases described in the English literature. Various differential diagnoses include the malignant transformation of Wartin tumor (WT), squamous metaplasia of WT, and metastasis from a distant primary. We emphasize the role of routine microscopy in identifying rare variants of common malignancies. Even though translocation studies are helpful in diagnosis, the typical histopathological findings should confirm it.

Pleomorphic hyalinizing angiectatic tumor of the mesorectum: a rare case and review of literature

Pleomorphic hyalinizing angiectatic tumor (PHAT) is a rare tumor of uncertain tissue origin. Although it has been classified as a benign tumor under the WHO classification, it is locally aggressive, and multiple recurrences have been reported. PHAT commonly involves the lower extremities; however, various unusual sites of origin have been reported. We present the case of a 30-year-old female with dysmenorrhea, who presented a presacral mass on imaging. The core biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of PHAT. She underwent laparotomy and excision. Histopathology confirmed the presence of a tumor comprised of aggregates of ectatic vessels with perivascular hyalinization. An immunohistochemical study showed diffuse CD34 positivity, but S100, MDM2, and smooth muscle actin negativity. After surgical procedures, the patient is disease free as at the 12-month follow-up. Only 120 cases have been published in the English literature to date. Our study is only the third case of PHAT arising from the pelvis to be reported. Though considered to be a rare condition, the diagnosis of PHAT should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of well-defined hypervascular soft tissue mass in the pelvis. The typical histopathological findings along with immunohistochemistry should clinch the diagnosis.