Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.
2002 Jun;45(6):624-627.
A Case of Malignant Myoepithelioma in Parotid Gland
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea. bongjp@wonju.yonsei.ac.kr
- 2Department of Pathology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea.
Abstract
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Myoepithelial cells are a significant component of most types of salivary gland neoplasms, but, pure myoepitheliomas are rare, comprising less than 1% of all salivary gland tumors. Malignant myoepithelioma, or myoepithelial carcinoma, is even more rare. It occurs most frequently in the parotid gland among salivary glands, and is similar to benign myoepitheliomas. The palate is the most common intraoral site of involvement. As far as the treatment of myoepithelial carcinoma is concerned, surgical excision is the mainstay of therapy. The role of radiation therapy and chemotherapy is not yet established. We present a case of malignant myoepithelioma of the left parotid gland in a 67-year-old female patient who was treated with surgical excision followed by adjuvant radiation therapy.