2022 Volume 61 Issue 4 Pages 263-270
Background : Myoepithelial carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor of the salivary gland. We analyzed oral exfoliative cytology preparations sampled from biopsy-diagnosed myoepithelial carcinoma of the oral cavity, clear-cell type.
Case : A Japanese man in his 70’s was referred to the department of oral surgery of our hospital, because of a rapidly growing swelling in his left upper gingiva. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass measuring 53×44×30 mm in size, and incisional biopsy and oral exfoliative cytology were performed. Cytologically, cell clumps consisting of elliptical to short spindle-shaped cells were observed. Histologically, the diagnosis was consistent with myoepithelial carcinoma of the clear cell type, and the Ki-67 labeling index was 12%. The tumor cells were diffusely immunoreactive for myoepithelial markers. Heavy ion radiotherapy was transiently effective, but the tumor recurred two years later.
Conclusions : The cytological features of oral scrapings in a case of myoepithelial carcinoma are described. When squamous cell carcinoma is excluded and myoepithelial features are observed in a tumor, it is necessary for cytologists and pathologists to keep in mind the possibility of tumors of salivary gland origin.
