Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma
Pronunciation: myoo-koh-EP-ih-DER-moyd kar-SIN-oh-mah
The most common malignant salivary gland tumour, graded low, intermediate, or high based on the proportion of mucous, intermediate, and epidermoid cells.
Full Definition
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) arises predominantly in the parotid gland but also occurs in minor salivary glands of the palate and buccal mucosa. Its histological grade—low, intermediate, or high—has direct prognostic and treatment implications and must be accurately transcribed in pathology reports. Low-grade tumours behave almost benignly, while high-grade tumours carry a poor prognosis. Editors must ensure the hyphen in 'mucoepidermoid' is retained and that grade descriptors are spelled out fully rather than abbreviated. Classification follows the WHO and the Brandwein grading system.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate 'mucoepidermoid'. Grade (low/intermediate/high) must accompany the diagnosis in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The specimen was diagnosed as low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma with clear surgical margins." — Pathology report
- "High-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma carries a five-year survival rate below 50%." — Clinical review article