histogenesis of mucoepidermoid carcinoma: histological and ultrastructural study

ABSTRACT

Seven cases of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of minor salivary gl and s, located in the palate [five cases] and lip [two cases] were encountered in the present study. By light microscopy, three cell types [mucous, squamoid and intermediate] were observed. Ultrastructural examination of four of these cases was used to reveal the type of cellular differentiation. Mainly, biphasic patterns were detected [luminal and myoepithelial cells with varying degrees of differentiation]. Based on the present findings and its correlation with histogenetic aspect, acinar intercalated duct region can be stressed as an origin for the development of mucoepidermoid carcinoma in as much as most of salivary gl and tumors originate