Myoepithelioma of the head and neck

Myoepithelioma of the head and neck

Micrograph of a myoepithelioma. H&E stain.
Classification and external resources

Myoepithelioma of the head and neck, also myoepithelioma, is a salivary gland tumour of the head and neck that is usually benign.[1]

As the name suggests, it consists of myoepithelial cells. Classically, they are found in the parotid gland or palate.[1]

Diagnosis

Myoepitheliomas are diagnosed from an examination of the tissue by a pathologist.

Pathology

The myoepithelial cells may be spindled, plasmacytoid, eithelioid or clear. Tubules or epithelium are absent, or present in a small amount (<5%) by definition. Tumours with myoepithelial cells and a large amount of tubules are classified as pleomorphic adenomas (which must also contain the characteristic chondromyxoid stroma, which is normally absent in myoepithelioma).

Treatment

Benign myoepithelioma are treated with simple excision. They are less prone to recurrence than pleomorphic adenoma.

See also

Additional images

References

  1. 1 2 Barnes, L.; Appel, BN.; Perez, H.; El-Attar, AM. (Jan 1985). "Myoepithelioma of the head and neck: case report and review.". J Surg Oncol 28 (1): 21–8. doi:10.1002/jso.2930280107. PMID 2982059.


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