Intraosseous Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma in the Mandible: A Report of Two Cases and Literature Review

Cureus. 2024 Nov 6;16(11):e73143. doi: 10.7759/cureus.73143. eCollection 2024 Nov.

Abstract

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common malignant tumor of salivary glands.It usually occurs in major salivary glands. The occurrence of intraosseous MEC (IMEC) is rare and is usually seen in the mandibular premolar and molar regions.These tumors present mixed radiolucent and radiopaque images on radiographs, which makes the diagnosis difficult. Thus, histopathological evaluation is the definitive and accurate method for its diagnosis. The treatment depends on the histopathological grading of the tumors. Low-grade tumors are usually treated with radical resection surgeries, and high-grade ones need definitive radiotherapy in addition to radical resection surgeries and neck dissection. Intraosseous involvement of MEC in the mandible is rare. This manuscript highlights the clinical presentation and management of two cases of IMEC of the mandible.

Keywords: intraosseous mucoepidermoid carcinoma mandible; intraosseous salivary gland tumor; malignant salivary gland tumor; mandible bone tumor; mucoepidermoid carcinoma (mec).

Publication types

  • Case Reports