MUCO EPIDERMOID CARCINOMA OF THE PAROTID - AN INTERESTING CASE REPORT

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma as an entity was first described by Stewart in 1945. He considered this tumor to arise from the pluri-potent reserve cells of salivary gland ducts. These reserve cells have the potential to develop into squamous, columnar and mucoid cells. This tumor constitutes about 5 of all malignant salivary gland tumors. It is more common in the parotid gland. Usually these tumors are asymptomatic, but may cause pain when they become aggressive. These tumors usually do not involve the facial nerve and commonly is confined to the superficial lobe of parotid gland.This tumor commonly arises in middle aged and young adults and is rare in elderly. This case is being reported because it is a rarity in this age group and duration. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma may become cystic because of the presence of mucoid cells which secrete mucous. There are two malignant lesions that are known to cause cystic lesions in the parotid gland. They are mucoepidermoid carcinoma and adenocystic carcinoma.