An unusual case of intraosseous mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the mandible: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common primary salivary gland malignancy. Ectopic MEC can occur in any part of the body, however, only 2% to 4% of MEC could be detected in the jaw, which is named intraosseous mucoepidermoid carcinoma (IMC). IMC is usually a low-grade carcinoma. Uni- or multilocular radiographic lesions should be differential diagnosed with ameloblastoma, odontogenic cysts, and glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC). Radical surgery may prefer for a favorable prognosis. Whereas IMC can recur long after the operation, a long-term follow-up system should be implemented. Owing to its rarity and controversial issues, we report a case report and review the literature to discuss its clinical features, treatments, radiological, and histological characteristics.

PATIENT CONCERNS

The patient presented with a 2-month history of mild pain in the lower left posterior jaw without history of surgery or trauma to the mandible.

DIAGNOSES

Routine postoperative pathology showed that the mass was consistent with a mandibular mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

INTERVENTION

Radical surgery and digital mandibular reconstruction were performed.

OUTCOME

Postoperative imaging showed that the height of the mandible and the symmetry of the mandible were satisfactory. The patient was also satisfied with her appearance. Follow-up has been established.

LESSONS

Effective surgical treatment allows patients to have a favorable prognosis. A long-term follow-up system should be practiced, because local recurrences and regional metastasis could happen even after decades.