Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common malignant tumour of salivary glands. Oncocytic variant is rare and could be mistaken for benign entities like oncocytoma and Warthin tumour on cytology. We present a case of a 67-year-old female presented with left parotid gland mass, which was diagnosed as a benign oncocytoma on cytologic examination. Later, the patient underwent left parotidectomy where the histologic examination revealed a malignant oncocytic mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The distinction between these entities is essential to get a proper management for the patient. On cytology alone, it is quite difficult to differentiate; however, histologic examination shows malignant features including infiltrative borders, lymphovascular invasion and perineural invasion excluding a benign tumour. The presence of mucin is an important clue to suspect oncocytic mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Ancillary studies can help reach a wright diagnose, as oncocytic mucoepidermoid carcinoma is positive for P63 and has MAML2 translocation.
SMARCB1-deficient sinonasal carcinoma is a newly described entity, with less than 100 reported cases. It is characterized by basaloid or rhabdoid morphology and is diagnosed by complete loss of nuclear SMARCB1 (INI-1). The morphologic appearance, specific immunophenotypic markers, and unique molecular make-up distinguish this entity from other various malignant neoplasms. We present a case of a 55-year-old male that presented with a large progressing palatine mass. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a heterogeneous mass involving the left maxillary space. The initial biopsy was diagnosed as undifferentiated carcinoma. Resection was performed, and immunohistochemical studies revealed a complete loss of INI-1, refining the diagnosis to SMARCB1-deficient sinonasal carcinoma. Diagnosis of SMARCB1-deficient sinonasal carcinoma should be considered in all undifferentiated sinonasal carcinomas. Immunohistochemistry or molecular studies are mandatory to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other morphologically similar entities.
Introduction and importance
Schwannomas are relatively uncommon, benign, slow-growing neoplasms, which are derived from schwann cells that can arise from any cranial, peripheral, or autonomic nerves. The involvement of the palate is a rare presentation and hardly reported in the literature.
Case presentation
Here, we report the case of a 39-year-old woman with a history of a foreign body sensation in the throat and difficult swallowing.
Clinical findings and investigations
Oral examination showed a smooth, non-tender, right-sided, soft palate mass. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a well-defined, non-enhancing, homogenous pedunculated soft tissue mass arising from the posterior edge of the right side of the soft palate.
Interventions and outcome
The mass was excised completely under local anesthesia in the clinical setting using a CO
2
surgical laser. The mass was sent for histologic analysis, which confirmed the diagnosis of a benign schwannoma.
Conclusion
Eventually, upon follow-up at six months post excision, no evidence of recurrence was detected.
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