Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma in the floor of mouth: case report and review of the literature

Authors

  • Emeline das Neves de Araújo Lima Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
  • Pedro Carlos da Rocha Neto Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
  • Ana Miryam Costa de Medeiros Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
  • Roseana de Almeida Freitas Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

Keywords:

adenocarcinoma, immunohistochemistry, submandibular gland

Abstract

Purpose: to document the clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings of an epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) in the floor of mouth with extension to the submandibular region. Furthermore, we intend to discuss the current literature about this tumor. Case description: the biphasic pattern of neoplastic cells could be confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis, which showed positivity for cytokeratin (CK7) in luminal cells and for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in those non-luminal. All of the features were consistent with the diagnostic criteria required for EMC and the patient was referred for specialized treatment. Conclusion: EMC is a rare type of malignant tumor, accounting for about 1% of all salivary gland tumors. Arising most frequently in the parotid gland (75%), approximately 10% of the tumors have their origin in the submandibular gland, and rarely affect the minor salivary glands. The diagnosis should be based on conventional light microscopy and confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis.

Author Biographies

Emeline das Neves de Araújo Lima, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

DDS, MSc, PhD Student in Postgraduate Program, Department of Oral Pathology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil.

Pedro Carlos da Rocha Neto, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

DDS, MSc, Postgraduate Program, Department of Oral Pathology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil.

Ana Miryam Costa de Medeiros, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

DDS, PhD, Professor of the Postgraduate Program, Department of Oral Pathology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil.

Roseana de Almeida Freitas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

DDS, PhD, Professor of the Postgraduate Program, Department of Oral Pathology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil.

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Published

2012-10-29

Issue

Vol. 27 No. 4 (2012)

Section

Case Report

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