Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the palate

ABSTRACT

mucoepidermoid carcinoma is classified as either well,moderately,or poorly differentiated. The criteria used to classify the lesions are discussed,and pathologic features are illustrated. The most important factors in prognosis are 1. degree of histologic differentiation, and 2. presence or abscence of tumor on the lines of surgical excision. Recurrences rates are correlated with histologic differentiation. Stewart, Foote,and Becker in 1945 coined the term "mucoepidermoid tumor" to discribe an unusual salivary neoplasm containing epidermoid and mucus-secreting cells which was thought to arise in salivsary gland ducts. The treatment of the mucoepidermoid carcinoma is chiefly surgical, although recent data have shown favorable responses to radiation therapy. Currently, surgery followed by radiation treatment is recommended for intermediate-grade and high-grade tumors ; low-grade tumors can be managed by surgery alone. Authors present a case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma managed with wide surgical resection and postoperative irradiation and showing a good clinical result with review of literatures.