Abstract
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most frequent malignant salivary gland tumor in the oral cavity and presents a variety of pathological features. We experienced a case of maxillary gingival mucoepidermoid carcinoma that recurred for the second time in the masticator space 12 years after resection of a recurrent tumor. A 39-year-old female presented to our department complaining of a left-sided maxillary gingival mass in 2003. A tumor extending from the left maxillary tuberosity to the buccal mucosa was found, and biopsy revealed a diagnosis of low grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma. In August 2003, she underwent tumor resection and full thickness skin grafting. Six months after surgery, the tumor recurred, and a partial maxillectomy and covering with a buccal fat pad were performed in April 2004. In 2016 PET/CT showed recurrence in the masticator space. In June 2016, the patient underwent a left suprahyoid neck dissection, tumor resection, hemi-mandibulectomy via the trans cervical approach, and reconstruction with scapular and latissimus dorsi flap. Eight years after surgery, no recurrence or metastasis was observed. The prognosis of the low grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma is good, however long-term follow-up is necessary since some cases recur after a long period of time. In addition, considering the location and size of the tumor in the masticator space, application of the transcervical approach may be considered.
