Korean J Cytopathol.  2002 Jun;13(1):42-46.

Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland: Report of a Case Misinterpreted as Pleomorphic denoma on Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology

• Kim DC
• Lee A
• Lee KY
• Kang CS
• Shim SI

Abstract

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma(EMC) is a rare, low grade malignant tumor of the salivary glands. The EMC has a distinctive histological appearance comprising ductal structures with an inner epithelial cell component and an outer layer of myoepithelial cells which show plump clear cytoplasm. The cytologic features of the EMC have been rarely described. A correct cytological diagnosis to this rare tumor is difficult with high false negative rate. We report a case of EMC in which fine needle aspiration cytologic findings were misinterpreted as a pleomorphic adenoma.

Keyword

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma; Pleomorphic adenoma; Parotid gland; Fine needle aspiration cytology

MeSH Terms

Adenoma, Pleomorphic
Biopsy, Fine-Needle*
Cytoplasm
Diagnosis
Epithelial Cells
Parotid Gland*
Salivary Glands