Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the hard palate.

A case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma originating in the hard palate was presented. Histological diagnosis of the removed mass at the first operation was pleomorphic adenoma. Tumor recurred at the same site three years later. Subtotal maxillectomy was performed and recurrent tumor was histologically diagnosed as low grade malignant mucoepidermoid carcinoma. A two-year follow-up showed no evidence of recurrence. The low grade malignant mucoepidermoid carcinoma strongly resembles pleomorphic adenoma. The differential diagnosis is important for the better treatment and prognosis.