Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMCa) is a rare malignant tumour that typically arises in a salivary gland and consists of both an epithelial and myoepithelial component. They are predominantly found in the parotid gland[1] and represent approximately 1% of salivary gland tumours.[2]

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma
Micrograph of an epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (right of image). The epithelial component has a tubular morphology and is evident only focally (upper left of image). Benign serous glands (parotid salivary gland) are also seen (left of image). H&E stain.
SpecialtyENT surgery

Cause

Diagnosis

EMCas are diagnosed by examination of tissue, e.g. a biopsy.

This tumour is characterised by biphasic tubular structures composed of inner ductal and outer clear myoepithelial cells.

Its appearance is very similar to adenomyoepithelioma of the breast, which may be the same tumour at a different anatomical site.[3]

The histologic differential diagnosis includes adenoid cystic carcinoma and pleomorphic adenoma.

  • Intermed. mag.
  • High mag.

Prognosis

They generally have a good prognosis.[1] In one larger study, the 5-year and 10-year survival were over 90% and 80% respectively.[4]

See also

References
  1. Kasper, HU.; Mellin, W.; Kriegsmann, J.; Cheremet, E.; Lippert, H.; Roessner, A. (1999). "Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the salivary gland--a low grade malignant neoplasm? Report of two cases and review of the literature". Pathol Res Pract. 195 (3): 189–92. doi:10.1016/S0344-0338(99)80033-8. PMID 10220800.
  2. Tralongo, V.; Daniele, E. (1998). "Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the salivary glands: a review of literature". Anticancer Res. 18 (1B): 603–8. PMID 9568184.
  3. Seifert, G. (Sep 1998). "Are adenomyoepithelioma of the breast and epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the salivary glands identical tumours?". Virchows Arch. 433 (3): 285–8. doi:10.1007/s004280050249. PMID 9769134.
  4. Seethala, RR.; Barnes, EL.; Hunt, JL. (Jan 2007). "Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma: a review of the clinicopathologic spectrum and immunophenotypic characteristics in 61 tumors of the salivary glands and upper aerodigestive tract". Am J Surg Pathol. 31 (1): 44–57. doi:10.1097/01.pas.0000213314.74423.d8. PMID 17197918.


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