What is myoepithelial carcinoma?

What is myoepithelial carcinoma?

Myoepithelial carcinoma (malignant myoepithelioma) is a rare salivary gland tumor composed entirely of myoepithelial cells that exhibit a dual epithelial and smooth muscle phenotype.

Which is the most common malignant salivary gland tumor?

Mucoepidermoid carcinomas are the most common type of salivary gland cancer. Most start in the parotid glands. They develop less often in the submandibular glands or in minor salivary glands inside the mouth. These cancers are usually low grade, but they can also be intermediate or high grade.

What is Myoepithelial?

Medical Definition of myoepithelial : of, relating to, or being large contractile cells of epithelial origin which are located at the base of the secretory cells of various glands (as the salivary and mammary glands)

How do myoepithelial cells contract?

Mammary myoepithelial cells are specialized smooth musclelike epithelial cells that express the smooth muscle actin isoform: smooth muscle alpha-actin (ACTA2). These cells contract in response to oxytocin to generate the contractile force required for milk ejection during lactation.

Is salivary gland tumor curable?

Many salivary gland cancers can often be cured, especially if found early. Although curing the cancer is the primary goal of treatment, preserving the function of the nearby nerves, organs, and tissues is also very important.

What is the second most common malignant salivary gland tumor?

The most common malignant tumor is mucoepidermoid carcinoma, followed by acinic cell carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma. It is also important to remember that the parotid gland is a common site for metastases from squamous cell carcinomas arising in the skin of the head and neck.

What is the function of myoepithelial cell?

Myoepithelial cells have contractile functions. They help in expelling secretions from the lumen of secretory units and facilitate the movement of saliva in salivary ducts.

Are myoepithelial cells cancerous?

Therefore, myoepithelial cells are considered to be natural suppressors of invasion and metastasis and may specifically inhibit the progression of precancerous disease states to invasive cancer (15–20)….Table 1.

What is a myoepithelial cell and what is its function?

Each cell consists of a cell body from which 4-8 processes radiate and embrace the secretory unit. Myoepithelial cells have contractile functions. They help in expelling secretions from the lumen of secretory units and facilitate the movement of saliva in salivary ducts.

How long does it take to recover from salivary gland surgery?

Your Recovery A saliva duct is a tube that carries saliva from the gland into the mouth. The area below your jaw may be sore for several days after your surgery. The area also may be slightly swollen or bruised. It will probably take 1 to 2 weeks for the cut (incision) to heal.

What percentage of salivary gland tumors are malignant?

About 80 percent of salivary gland tumors start in these glands. About 75 percent of these tumors are benign (usually a type called pleomorphic adenomas) and 25 percent are malignant.

What does Myoepithelial mean?

Where does myoepithelial carcinoma occur in the mouth?

Summary Summary. Myoepithelial carcinoma is a rare malignant (cancerous) tumor that usually occurs in the salivary glands in the mouth, but can also occur in skin and soft tissues. Approximately 66% of these tumors occur in a part of the salivary gland, known as the parotid gland.

Are there any carcinomas in the salivary glands?

Salivary gland carcinomas displaying exclusively myoepithelial differentiation (myoepithelial carcinoma) are considered rare. Their histopathologic features, immunohistochemical profile, and clinical behavior are not well characterized.

How old is the average person with myoepithelial carcinoma?

Myoepithelial carcinoma is a rare malignant (cancerous) tumor that usually occurs in the salivary glands in the mouth, but can also occur in skin and soft tissues. Approximately 66% of these tumors occur in a part of the salivary gland, known as the parotid gland. The average age of diagnosis is 55 years.

What are the histologic features of salivary gland tumors?

Their histopathologic features, immunohistochemical profile, and clinical behavior are not well characterized. The authors reviewed the clinicopathologic features of 25 salivary gland tumors fulfilling two fundamental histologic criteria: unequivocally malignant and exclusively myoepithelial.