Three-dimensional evaluation of mucoepidermoid carcinoma on the hard palate

Abstract

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is of unknown aetiopathology, but it may be related to genetic factors, exposure to ionizing radiation and smoking habits as well. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is considered the most common malignant neoplasm of salivary glands found in the oral cavity, with its clinical characteristics (e.g., size and shape) favoring the diagnosis and treatment planning. This report describes a case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma which infiltrates into the maxillary sinus and nasal fossa through the palate and highlights the importance of obtaining three-dimensional (3D) images of the tumor for volumetric analysis, thus improving the chances of a successful surgery. We have described the use of the segmentation technique in which the tumor’s volume was calculated to help in predicting surgical outcomes. A 50-year-old patient sought dental treatment because of a purplish swelling in the hard palate region on the left side. Computed tomography examination was performed for visualization of the lesion and incisional biopsy for obtaining a sample, which was sent to anatomopathological study. Histological characteristics of the lesion and presence of neoplastic cells showed positive immunohistochemical reactions for cytokeratin 7 antibody, leading to a diagnosis of mucoepidermoid carcinoma. In view of the malignant characteristics of the lesion, the patient was referred to a head and neck surgeon for treatment.

Análise volumétrica de adenoma pleomórfico palatino como aprimoramento diagnóstico e de plano de tratamento: relato de caso

“…O valor final do volume do tumor foi de 2.304 mm³. Após realização da reconstrução 3D da lesão por processo de segmentação manual [5][6][7] , foi possível observar com mais clareza a invasão do tumor na região de seio maxilar e de fossa nasal com migração para região dos espaços aéreos.…”

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the palate in a patient with a history of neuroblastoma: A case report and a review of the literature

“…It usually occurs in the third to sixth decade of life 3 . Thus, some other studies mention the age range from 6 to 90 years with an average age of 51–56 4 . Women (approximately 1.5 times more than men) can be affected by this type of lesion more frequently 3 …”

“…6 This tumor occurs anatomically at the junction between the hard/soft palate, and the deep part of the tumor is usually supported by the hard palate bone. 4 From slowgrowing swelling with no symptoms to severe swelling and even soreness, otorrhoea, dysphagia, trismus, and facial paralysis, the clinical presentation varies greatly. 3,6 In high-grade MEC, ulcers, underlying bone loss, numbness of adjacent teeth, loose teeth, and root resorption may be observed.…”

“…3 Thus, some other studies mention the age range from 6 to 90 years with an average age of 51-56. 4 Women (approximately 1.5 times more than men) can be affected by this type of lesion more frequently. 3 This tumor occurs in approximately 53% of the cases in the main salivary glands (mostly in the parotid gland, and then the submandibular gland) and with a lower probability of involvement of the minor salivary glands (most usually the palate, and to a lesser extent…”