Mucoepidermoid carcinoma

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common malignant neoplasm of the major salivary glands. It represents 5%–10% of all salivary gland tumors and rarely arises within the jaws. It is the second most common minor salivary gland tumor (12%–40% globally). It mainly occurs in the parotid gland and appears as an asymptomatic swelling in minor salivary glands, mostly on the palate. The treatment protocol of MEC is surgical excision followed by postoperative radiotherapy as in most types of salivary gland malignancies. Here, we present a case of MEC in a male patient aged 65 years with emphasis on the importance of early diagnosis so that the malignant neoplasm can be identified early and treated efficiently.