A case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma occurring in the retromolar salivary gland for which the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology was useful to decide on the treatment plan

Abstract

We report a case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma （MEC） occurring in the retromolar salivary gland that was resected based on a diagnosis per the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology （MSRSGC）. A 33-year-old man was referred to our hospital with complaints of swelling in the retromolar region. A tumor with a diameter of 13mm was observed in the retromolar region. We performed fine needle aspiration cytology to establish a preoperative diagnosis. The diagnostic report indicated a category IV-B: salivary gland neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential, based on MSRSGC. We resected the tumor assuming benign or low-grade malignancy based on the recommendation for surgical procedures in this system. The specimen was histopathologically diagnosed as a low-grade MEC. There was no recurrence or metastasis three years postoperatively.