Three-dimensional evaluation of mucoepidermoid carcinoma on the hard palate

Abstract

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is of unknown aetiopathology, but it may be related to genetic factors, exposure to ionizing radiation and smoking habits as well. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is considered the most common malignant neoplasm of salivary glands found in the oral cavity, with its clinical characteristics (e.g., size and shape) favoring the diagnosis and treatment planning. This report describes a case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma which infiltrates into the maxillary sinus and nasal fossa through the palate and highlights the importance of obtaining three-dimensional (3D) images of the tumor for volumetric analysis, thus improving the chances of a successful surgery. We have described the use of the segmentation technique in which the tumor’s volume was calculated to help in predicting surgical outcomes. A 50-year-old patient sought dental treatment because of a purplish swelling in the hard palate region on the left side. Computed tomography examination was performed for visualization of the lesion and incisional biopsy for obtaining a sample, which was sent to anatomopathological study. Histological characteristics of the lesion and presence of neoplastic cells showed positive immunohistochemical reactions for cytokeratin 7 antibody, leading to a diagnosis of mucoepidermoid carcinoma. In view of the malignant characteristics of the lesion, the patient was referred to a head and neck surgeon for treatment.