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Introduction <p>Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is a rare malignant neoplasm predominantly arising in the salivary glands, with the minor salivary glands of the oral cavity being a frequent site. Its occurrence in the soft palate is particularly uncommon, often mimicking benign conditions, which complicates early diagnosis. This case report emphasizes the rarity of MEC in the soft palate, the diagnostic challenges it presents, and the importance of timely, multidisciplinary intervention to achieve favorable outcomes.</p> Clinical presentation <p>A 22-year-old female presented with a painless, progressively enlarging mass on the soft palate persisting for 1&#xa0;year. The lesion ulcerated following trauma from a fish bone, resulting in spontaneous bleeding. Initial clinical evaluation and imaging studies suggested a benign pleomorphic adenoma. However, histopathological analysis of a biopsy confirmed an intermediate-grade MEC, with no evidence of perineural invasion or distant metastasis. The patient underwent wide local excision with peripheral osteotomy, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with marked improvement in speech and respiratory functions. At follow-up, there was no evidence of recurrence or metastasis.</p> Conclusion <p>This case underscores the critical role of histopathological assessment in distinguishing malignant from benign salivary gland tumors. It highlights the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary approach, combining surgical resection with adjuvant therapy, in achieving favorable outcomes for intermediate-grade MEC. Vigilant long-term follow-up remains essential to monitor for potential recurrence, further contributing to the understanding of atypical presentations of salivary gland malignancies.</p>

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From benign to malignant: a rare case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the soft palate misdiagnosed as pleomorphic adenoma. A case report

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年1月21日

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  • Babatunde Fatoke,
  • Adetutu Mabadeje-Isowo,
  • Misbau Adekunle,
  • Stephen Olaide Aremu

摘要

Introduction

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is a rare malignant neoplasm predominantly arising in the salivary glands, with the minor salivary glands of the oral cavity being a frequent site. Its occurrence in the soft palate is particularly uncommon, often mimicking benign conditions, which complicates early diagnosis. This case report emphasizes the rarity of MEC in the soft palate, the diagnostic challenges it presents, and the importance of timely, multidisciplinary intervention to achieve favorable outcomes.

Clinical presentation

A 22-year-old female presented with a painless, progressively enlarging mass on the soft palate persisting for 1 year. The lesion ulcerated following trauma from a fish bone, resulting in spontaneous bleeding. Initial clinical evaluation and imaging studies suggested a benign pleomorphic adenoma. However, histopathological analysis of a biopsy confirmed an intermediate-grade MEC, with no evidence of perineural invasion or distant metastasis. The patient underwent wide local excision with peripheral osteotomy, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with marked improvement in speech and respiratory functions. At follow-up, there was no evidence of recurrence or metastasis.

Conclusion

This case underscores the critical role of histopathological assessment in distinguishing malignant from benign salivary gland tumors. It highlights the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary approach, combining surgical resection with adjuvant therapy, in achieving favorable outcomes for intermediate-grade MEC. Vigilant long-term follow-up remains essential to monitor for potential recurrence, further contributing to the understanding of atypical presentations of salivary gland malignancies.