ICD-O M8430/3 | OMIM 607536 | |
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MeSH C04.557.470.200.025.340 | ||
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common type of salivary gland malignancy in adults. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma can also be found in other organs, such as bronchi, lacrimal sac and thyroid.
Contents
Mucicarmine staining is one stain used by pathologist for detection.
Epidemiology
Occurs in adults, with peak incidence from 20–40 years of age. A causal link with cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been strongly implicated in a 2011 research.
Clinical Features
Presents as painless, slow-growing mass that is firm or hard. Most appear clinically as mixed tumors.
Histology
This tumor is not encapsulated and is characterized by squamous cells, mucus-secreting cells, and intermediate cells.
Molecular biology
Mucoepidermoid carcinomas of the salivary and bronchial glands are characterized by a recurrent t(11;19)(q21;p13) chromosomal translocation resulting in a MECT1-MAML2 fusion gene. The CREB-binding domain of the CREB coactivator MECT1 (also known as CRTC1, TORC1 or WAMTP1) is fused to the transactivation domain of the Notch coactivator MAML2 PMID 16444749.
A possible association with papillomavirus has been reported.
Prognosis
Generally, there is a good prognosis for low-grade tumors, and a poor prognosis for high-grade tumors.