Malignant Myoepithelial Carcinoma Expleomorphic Adenoma of the Hard Palate: An Aggressive Tumor with Diagnostic Dilemma

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background/Objectives Myoepithelial carcinomas are uncommon neoplasms that account for about 10% of all myoepitheliomas. The invasiveness varies from a locally aggressive to highly metastatic tumor which may arise de novo or in a pleomorphic adenoma. Myoepitheliomas arise from myoepithelial cells lacking ductal differentiation which exhibit both epithelial and smooth muscle cell elements. Case report We report a case of palatal swelling excised 4 years back, as pleomorphic adenoma, which later recurred as malignant myoepithelial carcinoma expleomorphic adenoma of the palate. CECT of the paranasal air sinuses did not show any bony invasion of the hard palate. So he was given radical radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy but after 3 years developed recurnce and metastasis to the skin and the lungs. The patient was referred to oral chemotherapy on a palliative basis. Conclusion Malignant myoepithelial carcinoma expleomorphic adenoma of the hard palate is a highly aggressive rare tumor of the hard palate. Radical management with surgery and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy improves survival in these patients. Followup with metastatic workup should be accurate as the tumor is highly aggressive with poor prognosis. How to cite this article Shenoy AM, Halkud R, Shivappa A, Chavan p, Sunil KC, Sarvadyna J, Samskruthi M, Siddappa KT, Biswas S, Naik SM. Malignant Myoepithelial Carcinoma Expleomorphic Adenoma of the Hard palate: An Aggressive Tumor with Diagnostic Dilemma. Int J Head Neck Surg 2014;5(2):72-77.