Epithelial‐Myoepithelial Carcinoma of the Subglottic Region: A Case Presentation and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinomas are a rare form of salivary gland carcinoma. They are found predominantly in the parotid glands and rarely occur in the upper airway and in minor salivary glands. These neoplasms are found predominantly in women in the seventh and eighth decades of life and account for less than 1% of all salivary gland ductal carcinomas. These tumors may demonstrate infiltrative and destructive patterns, with a tendency to metastasize. It is recommended that they be approached and treated along the same avenues as any other malignant lesions of the head and neck.

Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma of External Auditory Canal Evolving from Pleomorphic Adenoma

“…The primary site was the parotid gland in 62% of the cases, and EMC is also distributed in the nasal cavity, sinuses, palate, submandibular gland, lesser salivary gland, larynx and trachea 3-5). The average age of tumor onset is 61 years and the incidence is higher in women 3,6).…”

Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma of the Nasopharynx

“…Since its first description in 1972 [1], epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma has been found most commonly in the major salivary glands [10], and less often in the minor salivary glands [3,10,11]. They have also been found in some other areas [2][3][4][5]. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the nasopharynx.…”

“…Surgical excision has been recommended, as for other malignant tumors of the head and neck [4]. Postoperative radiotherapy has been administered in a few cases [4,14].…”

“…Postoperative radiotherapy has been administered in a few cases [4,14]. The effectiveness of irradiation therapy has not been established.…”

“…This rare tumor mainly involves the major salivary glands, especially the parotid gland [2]. Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinomas have also been found in the maxillary sinus [2,3], the subglottic area [4], the lacrimal gland [5], bronchus [6] and lungs [7]. We report a patient with an epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the nasopharynx at a hitherto unreported site.…”