Intraosseous (central) mucoepidermoid carcinoma: a case series and association with features of glandular odontogenic cyst.

OBJECTIVE

Although mucoepidermoid carcinoma is one of the most common salivary gland malignancies, its involvement in the jaws is exceedingly rare. This report's purpose is to describe the histologic and demographic features of intraosseous mucoepidermoid carcinoma (IMEC) and to add evidence to support a potential relationship with glandular odontogenic cysts (GOCs).

STUDY

DESIGN

Cases of patients diagnosed with IMEC were obtained from Oral Pathology Laboratory, Inc, at New York-Presbyterian Queens from 1985 to 2024. Slides and clinical information were reviewed.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients with IMEC were identified who had an average age of 58.6 years and a slight female predilection. IMEC was equally present in both jaws. Twelve patients were classified as having low-grade tumors with cystic areas composed of an admixture of epidermoid and mucous cells, 6 cases of which had areas resembling GOCs. Two patients had high-grade tumors demonstrating anaplasia and perineural invasion. One high-grade tumor had areas that resembled a GOC. Four of the 7 presentations of IMEC (6 low-grade and 1 high-grade) with GOC features were from the mandible.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe the common and uncommon histopathologic features of IMEC while also demonstrating that GOC-type areas often are seen as a component of these tumors. Therefore, all lesions identified as GOCs should be carefully analyzed to rule out the early development of an IMEC.