2021 Volume 67 Issue 4 Pages 233-238
Histological images of myoepithelioma and myoepithelial carcinoma vary widely. In many cases, myoepithelioma is diagnosed based on preoperative biopsy. Here, we report our experience with a case of myoepithelial carcinoma diagnosed as a result of operative treatment for myoepithelioma.
The patient was a 63-year-old female with a 30-year history of a palatal tumor, who was admitted to our hospital because the tumor had grown. Intraoral examination revealed a tumorous lesion in the left palate that crossed the midline. Imaging findings revealed swelling of the bone cortex on the palatal side. The cortices of the left nasal floor, the left maxillary sinus floor, and the posterior maxillary bone were thinned, and some bone defects were observed. A biopsy led to the diagnosis of myoepithelioma. In July 2012, a tumor resection was performed under general anesthesia. Based on histopathological and immunohistological findings, we suspected myoepithelial carcinoma. Because the patient refused additional resection, follow-up observation was performed. In June 2018, a submucosal mass accompanied by tenderness was observed in the gingival-buccal transitional area in the left maxillary anterior tooth region, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) was performed. We biopsied the lesion because it was near the postoperative site and extended to the maxilla. Since we could not rule out a malignancy, we considered the lesion to be myoepithelial carcinoma and reoperation was performed in October 2018. At present, it is unknown if local recurrence, regional lymph node metastases, or distant metastases have occurred.
