Mucoepidermoid carcinoma - A rare occurrence on the gingiva - A case report

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is a malignant salivary gland neoplasm which exhibits a widely diverse biologie behavior, well correlated with the histological grade of the tumor. About 6% of the major and 19% of the minor salivary gland tumors is mucoepidermoid carcinoma. It is commonly seen on palate, buccal mucosa, tongue, and the retromolar area. It is a rare entity on the gingiva, because of the absence of salivary glands in this location. Here, we present a case report of Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the mandibular lingual gingiva. It was clinically diagnosed as Pyogenic granuloma. Based upon the histopathological findings and special stains like Periodic Acid Schiff's and Mucicarmine a confirmatory diagnosis of Mucoepidermoid carcinoma was given. Careful examination and histopathological correlation are mandatory, for better prognosis of the patient.