Oncocytic mucoepidermoid carcinoma with lymph node metastasis: A report of a rare case with review of literature

Oncocytic mucoepidermoid carcinoma (OMEC) is a very rare variant of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, which is usually described in literature as a low-grade cystic lesion. High-grade lesions have also been described but a thorough search of literature did not show any reported case with lymph node metastasis. Here, we present the case of a 65-year-old male with an asymptomatic slow growing neck mass for nine months. The resected tumor revealed a circumscribed mass with solid and cystic areas with large cervical lymph nodes. Histopathological examination showed oncocytic cell predominance with areas of squamoid and mucinous differentiation. Four lymph nodes were found to be positive. Periodic acid-Schiff, mucicarmine and alcian blue stains were positive. P63, which has recently been suggested as a reliable marker for OMEC, showed diffuse strong positivity. This variant is important because of its rarity and high chances of misdiagnosis. The use of ancillary technique is important in the diagnosis of this rare entity.