Warthin Tumor-Like Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma

Int J Surg Pathol. 2018 Feb;26(1):31-33. doi: 10.1177/1066896917724889. Epub 2017 Aug 9.

Abstract

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) shows a wide morphologic spectrum, including epithelium with oncocytic or squamous metaplastic changes overlying a prominent cystic architecture, as well as tumor-associated lymphoid tissue. We illustrate a case of MEC of the parotid in a 17-year-old female, in which all these features occurred extensively, such that they accounted for almost the entire neoplasm, and closely mimicked Warthin tumor histologically. This highlights the need for diagnostic awareness of this particular morphologic variant of MEC, as patients could potentially be inappropriately discharged from follow-up if diagnosed with a benign neoplasm.

Keywords: CRTC1-MAML2; Warthin tumor; histological mimic; metaplastic; mucoepidermoid carcinoma; oncocytic variant; pathology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenolymphoma / diagnosis
  • Adenolymphoma / pathology
  • Adolescent
  • Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Parotid Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Parotid Neoplasms / pathology*