Muco-epidermoid carcinoma

Muco-epidermoid carcinoma is the most malignant tumour of the salivary glands, characterised by the presence of epithelial cells which produce mucin. Its biological behaviour varies from low-grade to high-grade tumours. Muco-epidermoid carcinoma occurs in the majority of cases in the parotid gland with the pathology varying on the basis of various degrees of malignancy: a) low-grade: slow growth, asymptomatic; b) high-grade: rapid growth, painful symptomatology and ulcerating mucosa. This painful symptomatology can be associated with an impairment of the facial nerve. Diagnosis is effected histologically whilst treatment requires surgery with radiotherapy for high-grade cases of malignancy.