Oncocytic Polyp in a Unicystic Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Palate: A Unique Presentation

Int J Surg Pathol. 2022 Feb;30(1):72-75. doi: 10.1177/10668969211018266. Epub 2021 May 14.

Abstract

We report a palatal mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) with unusual pathological features showing salivary duct cyst-like architecture, varied epithelial linings (excretory duct, mucous goblet cell, and apocrine epithelium phenotypes), scarce luminal tumor plaques, and a large intraluminal oncocytic polyp. To our knowledge, such a unicystic variant of MEC with pedicled oncocytic proliferation in the lumen is unprecedented in the literature. In this particular case, the microscopic diagnosis of MEC is problematic because of the large number of potential mimics.

Keywords: apocrine lining; mucoepidermoid carcinoma; oncocytic polyp; unicystic variant.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Palatal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Palatal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Young Adult