Multimodal ultrasonographic features of high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland: a case report.

BACKGROUND

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common malignant tumor of the parotid gland. High-grade MEC has a high degree of malignancy, strong invasiveness, lacks obvious clinical and imaging features, and is prone to misdiagnosis. Moreover, the literature on the ultrasonic characteristics of MEC is limited. This article retrospectively analyzes the multimodal ultrasound features of a case of MEC.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 68-year-old Asian man noticed a raised mass beneath his right earlobe one year ago. Initially, the mass was painless, leading the patient to delay seeking medical attention. Over time, the mass has increased in size, prompting the patient to seek further evaluation at this hospital. Upon examination, a palpable mass measuring approximately 2.5 cm ×2.0 cm was identified beneath the right earlobe. The mass exhibited distinct borders, fair mobility, no tenderness, normal skin surface, and low skin temperature. The patient denies any significant family history of disease and has no history of infectious diseases or prior radiation therapy. Following comprehensive multimodal ultrasound diagnostic evaluation, the lesion was suspected to be a malignant neoplasm of the parotid gland. Subsequent pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of MEC of the parotid gland. So the patient underwent surgery to remove the parotid gland mass under general anesthesia.

CONCLUSIONS

This report provides a detailed description of the multimodal ultrasound imaging features of MEC. It underscores the potential value of this technique in the diagnostic process. The case aims to improve the understanding of this disease and enhance clinicians' ability to achieve an early diagnosis, thereby reducing the risks of misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.