Benign myoepithelioma of the soft palate: an unusual clinical entity

Abstract

Myoepitheliomas are rare benign tumours that affect the exocrine glands and are sporadically located in the salivary glands. The most common location of myoepithelioma in the oral cavity is the parotid gland and it is seldom encountered in the palate. The diagnosis of this entity is challenging since its clinical presentation may resemble those of more common neoplasms, rendering a complex histopathological diagnosis. The aim of the present case report is to describe an unusual case of myoepithelioma of the soft palate in a male patient, which developed as an asymptomatic, slowly growing mass. The tumour was assessed with histopathological examination and the diagnosis was verified via immunohistochemistry. Finally, the treatment included surgical resection of the tumour and no signs of recurrence were noted 2.5 years after the surgical procedure. Early diagnosis and treatment plays an important role in the prognosis of this pathological entity.