Background: Epithelial myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) is a rare biphasic tumour that represents less than 1% of salivary gland neoplasms. It arises most commonly in the parotid but has been reported in the submandibular glands and minor salivary glands. EMC is a low grade malignant tumour that has been reported to locally recur in 25-30% of cases following resection.
Aim: We present a case of a 52 year old male who presented to our department, with a 2 year history of a slow growing lump in the left parotid. We aim to highlight the importance of diagnosis and treatment of this rare tumour.
Discussion: In this case, magnetic resonance imaging and fine needle aspiration suggested a Warthin’s tumour, pleomorphic adenoma or low grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma.
Left superficial parotidectomy was carried out and subsequent specialist histopathology diagnosed an EMC. The patient underwent adjuvant radiotherapy (60Gy/30Fr) and is under close clinical surveillance.
Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of early detection, swift surgical intervention and involvement of specialist head and neck histopathologists for diagnosis and optimum treatment of this rare salivary gland malignancy which may be mistaken as a benign entity.
Ellen Desmond1, Caoimhe O’Higgins1, Ahmed ElMinshawi1,2, Patrick McCann1
1 Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Galway, Galway
2 Nasser Institute Hospital for Research and Treatment, Cairo, Egypt