An unusual case of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland radiologically simulating a benign lesion

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the maxillofacial and sinonasal region: a systematic review of presenting characteristics, treatment modalities, and associated outcomes

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) is a rare salivary gland malignancy. Controversy exists in the literature regarding the effectiveness of treatment modalities employed in the management of EMC. This systematic review was undertaken to understand the presenting characteristics of EMC and identify the most common treatment modalities and their associated outcomes, in order to help guide an evidenced-based approach to the algorithm of care. The MEDLINE (PubMed) and Embase databases were searched (up to February 23, 2022), and the review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Fifty-seven studies (51 case reports and six case series) describing 91 cases of EMC were included in this review. In the included studies, a slow-growing painless mass was the most common presenting clinical feature. EMC was most frequently treated with surgery alone (65%). Local disease recurrence occurred in 24% of the cases and metastatic disease in 11%. A positive surgical margin was found to be associated with a higher risk of recurrence (P < 0.001), while adjuvant radiotherapy was associated with a decreased risk of local disease recurrence (P = 0.034). Metastatic disease and multimodal therapy were found to be associated with decreased disease-free and overall survival (all P < 0.05). The current literature supports surgery with clear margins as the mainstay of treatment for EMC of the salivary and seromucous glands of the head and neck. In certain situations, radiotherapy may improve disease-free survival.

Epithelial Myoepithelial Carcinoma of Parotid Gland

Epithelial myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) is a rare biphasic tumor of salivary glands with low malignant potential. Although known to occur in submandibular gland and minor salivary glands, its most common location is parotid. Clinical and radiological findings often mimic a benign tumor. Because of rarity of EMC a standard treatment guideline is not yet known. Surgical resection is the most widely used approach. Although it is a low grade tumor, local recurrence rates of 23-50 % have been reported with 25 % chance of distant metastasis. Patients with histo-pathologic markers of aggressive disease should be considered for adjuvant radiotherapy. We report a case of epithelial myoepithelial carcinoma of parotid in a 40 year male that was treated with surgery followed by post-operative radiotherapy.