A Clinicopathologic Study on Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of Salivary Glands

Kim, Jong Ryoul; Chung, In Kyo; Sung, Iel Yong

Abstract

The authors analyzed retrospectively the 19 patients with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of salivary glands who were treated at Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Pusan National University Hospital from June, 1986 to September, 1998. The results obtained were as follows: 1. There were 4 males(21%) and 15 females(79%). Age distribution was wide and the mean age was 45.2. 2. Of all mucoepidermoid carcinomas of salivary glnads, 4 cases arose in the major salivary glands and 15 cases in the minor salivary glands. The incidence according to the anatomic primary site for minor salivary glands was 8 cases in the palate, 2 cases each arising in the tongue and floor of mouth and 1 case each arising in the mandible, buccal mucosa and the lower lip. 3. In histopathological classification of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, 5 cases were low grade. 9 cases, intermediate grade and 5 cases, high grade. 4. Perineural invasion was observed 40%(2/5) in high grade and 22%(2/9) in the intermediate grade of mucoepidermoid carcinoma. 5. The incidence of cervical lymph node metastasis according to histopathologic grade was 40% (2/5) in high grade and 11%(1/9) in intermediate grade of mucoepidermoid carcinoma. 6. The lung was the commonest site for metastasis comprising 3 cases among 3 cases of distant spread of which 2 cases in high grade and 1 case in intermediate grade of mucoepidermoid carcinoma.