Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma of Minor Salivary Glands of the Palate: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) is a very rare malignant neoplasm of the salivary glands. It mainly affects the major salivary glands. Little is known about the specificity of EMC in minor salivary glands (MSGs), which represents a diagnostic challenge.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed to identify clinical cases and case series of EMC in MSGs. The search was restricted to EMC of the palate to better characterize the diagnosis and management of this entity.

RESULTS

Of 509 initially identified articles, only 21 were included, involving 25 patients. The lesion was mostly located in the hard palate (56%) and was associated in 20% of cases with a pleomorphic adenoma. All patients received surgical resection. P63 and S-100 were reliable molecular markers. Palatal EMC was associated with the absence of metastasis in 76% of cases.

CONCLUSION

Our study summarizes and updates the clinical features of EMC arising from palatal MSGs.

TRIAL REGISTERATION: CRD42024542994.