A case of mucinous cystadenoma arising from the retromolar region

Abstract

Mucinous cystadenoma commonly occurs in the grandular system, including the appendix, ovary, kidney, and pancreas. It is considered a benign tumor. In the head and neck region, it is rare but sometimes occurs in the parotid glands and the minor salivary glands. We report a case of mucinous cystadenoma occurring in the retromolar region. A 73-year-old woman was referred to our hospital in August 2005 because of a mass in the retromolar region. Intraoral examination revealed an enlarged mass measuring about 20 × 15 mm and covered with normal mucosa in the retromolar region. A benign tumor was suspected clinically. The mass was resected under general anesthesia. Histopathologically, it was diagnosed as a mucinous cystadenoma. There was no evidence of recurrence 60 months after operation.

A Case of Cystadenoma Arising in the Upper Lip

“…The epithelial structure is similar to that of Warthin's tumor, but characterized by the absence of lymphatic tissue. Mucinous cyst adenoma forms a cystlike lumen backed by multiple layers of mucinproducing cells, many of which are morphologically cubic or scyphi form, but squamous areas are also present, and the epithelium does not form papillary protrusions 8,31) . Those diseases that are diffi cult to differentiate histopathologically from cystadenoma include Warthin's tumor, cyst adenocarcinoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma, and mucous retention cyst 4,5,16,[18][19][20]27) .…”

“…In the present case, preoperative MRI suggested a benign tumor, but identification of a diagnosis of cystadenoma preoperatively would have been difficult. Many other reported cases 8,15,22,30,31,33) were also clinically diagnosed as salivary gland tumor or benign tumor.…”