2017 Volume 63 Issue 5 Pages 157-164
Mucoepidermoid carcinomas originating in the oropharynx are rare. Despite the fact that they are considered to be malignancies, the clinical course of mucoepidermoid carcinoma is heterogeneous. This has various pathological subtypes, which show very little agreement with the prognosis. For instance, the prognosis can be influenced by the differentiation of the area of squamous cell carcinoma or by the degree of invasion throughout the malignant tissue. Consequently, it is thought that the precise pathological diagnosis of the subtype and the selection of the most suitable treatment (based on the diagnosis) are the most important factors for the prognosis. We experienced a case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma occurring in the oropharynx. It was considered highly probable that this tumor was based on the anterior wall or tonsil. Even though our case showed a progressive state and was classified as stage IV, which are factors that are associated with a poor prognosis, he remains alive without recurrence at approximately seven years after surgery. The extensive resection that was performed in the first operation and the suppression of metastasis to the cervical lymph nodes by radiotherapy before and after surgery are thought to be the reasons for the good outcome.
