Korean J Radiol.  2007 Dec;8(6):552-555. 10.3348/kjr.2007.8.6.552.

Myoepitheliomas of the Soft Palate: Helical CT Findings in Two Patients

• Kim HS
• Lee WM
• Choi SM

• KMID: 1089445
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/kjr.2007.8.6.552

Abstract

We describe the enhancement patterns of myoepithelioma in two patients with a soft palate mass. In the first case, helical CT revealed a faintly enhancing mass. Histologically, the tumor was composed of plasmacytoid cells in a background of rich myxoid stroma. Immunostaining for CD34 showed scanty blood vessels. In the second case, helical CT revealed an intensely enhancing mass. Histologically, the mass was a cellular tumor with fibrous stroma. Immunostaining for CD34 also showed frequent blood vessels.

Keyword

Myoepithelioma; Soft palate; Minor salivary gland; Computed tomography (CT)

MeSH Terms

Aged
Contrast Media/administration & dosage
Diagnosis, Differential
Female
Humans
Iohexol/analogs & derivatives/diagnostic use
Male
Middle Aged
Myoepithelioma/*diagnosis/surgery
Palatal Neoplasms/*diagnosis/surgery
Palate, Soft/*radiography/surgery
Radiographic Image Enhancement/methods
Rare Diseases
Tomography, Spiral Computed/*methods

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Case 1. A. An early phase axial CT scan shows a well-demarcated soft palate tumor showing faint enhancement. B. A delayed axial CT scan shows heterogenous, nodular enhancement of the tumor. C. A microscopic view (Hematoxylin & Eosin staining ×400) of the myoepithelioma shows plasmacytoid cells in the background of myxoid stroma. D. Immunostaining for CD34 (×400) shows scanty blood vessels.

• 

  Fig. 2 Case 2. A. An early phase coronal CT scan shows an intensely enhancing soft palate tumor. B. A delayed axial CT scan shows persistent homogenous enhancement of the tumor. C. A microscopic view (Hematoxylin & Eosin staining ×400) of the myoepithelioma shows a cellular tumor composed of spindle cells. D. Immunostaining for CD34 (×400) shows frequent blood vessels.

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