Epithelial Myoepithelial Carcinoma of Head and Neck Region

Abstract

The objective of the study is to document the clinical, histopathological and immunological findings of epithelial myoepithelial carcinoma (EMEC) which is an uncommon neoplasm. The tumour represents less than 0.5-1% of all salivary gland neoplasms. As per literature, it involves the parotid gland most frequently and rarely, the minor salivary glands. We are reporting a series of four cases of EMEC over a period of one and half years, three from minor salivary glands at different sites and one from the deep lobe of parotid. Interestingly, the pre operative FNAC of all the cases revealed benign pathology. Recurrence occurred in three of them after tumour excision. One patient was subjected to post operative radiotherapy and one patient to chemotherapy. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry is very important in this tumour. There is no definitive guideline of treatment in post operative recurrence cases. © 2012 Association of Otolaryngologists of India.