Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma

Epidemiology

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MC) is the most common malignant tumor of the parotid gland and accounts for 44% of all parotid gland malignancies. The parotid gland (50%) is the most common location for MC followed by the palate (45%) and submandibular gland. MC is the second most common malignancy of the submandibular gland. MCs may present at any age but are most commonly diagnosed between the fourth and fifth decades of life. These tumors may be slightly more common in females. MC is the most common salivary gland malignancy in children.

Clinical Findings

Patients may present with a parotid region mass. Patients with more advanced tumors will present with pain and facial nerve paralysis.

Pathology