What Is Mucoepidermoid Tumour?

The carcinoma of the mucoepidermoid glands is a separate subtype of the malignancy that attacks these glands. The three primary cell types that make up these structures are squamous cells, mucus-secreting cells, and intermediate cells. (1) Masson and Berger characterised mucoepidermoid carcinomas specifically for the first time in 1924. Since then, they have been acknowledged as a prevalent type of salivary gland tumour.

Variable proportions of intermediate, mucous, and epidermoid cells make up the bulk of the tumour.

The intermediate cells are typically the most common, and their appearance can range from small basal cells with little basophilic cytoplasm to larger, oval cells with copious pale eosinophilic cytoplasm that seems to merge with epidermoid or mucous cells. These cells may also contain eosinophilic or very light cytoplasm or facial nerve cancer.

Mucocytes, the cells responsible for producing mucus, can exist single or in groups. These cells have a tiny, peripherally located nucleus that is compressed and small, as well as a pale and sometimes foamy cytoplasm. Mucoepidermoid tumour are frequently observed lining cysts and other duct-like structures. Due to their scarcity, it may be essential to utilise particular stains, such as mucicarmine, to positively identify mucocytes. This occurrence is quite uncommon.

There is a chance that epidermoid cells are few and localised. Despite having extensive eosinophilic cytoplasm, they almost never exhibit keratin pearls or dyskeratosis symptoms. Oncocytic metaplasia may develop in certain individuals for no obvious reason.

Final words

Tumors that have reached a more advanced stage are characterised by cytological atypia, an increased mitotic rate, and regions of necrosis. Additionally, higher-grade tumours are more likely to move to the brain. It is not uncommon for the stroma to be hyalinized to a notable degree.