Epithelial-myoepithelial Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland

Abstract

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma(EMC) is a rare salivary gland tumor with relatively low grade malignant potential and rarely metastasizes into the distant organ. Prior to 1991 this neoplasm was not classified as a malignant neoplasm.

There are many confusions in terms of making diagnosis of EMC, probably due to a possibility of bidirectional proliferation and differentiation of intercalated duct cells.

The author reports a case of EMC and reviews literature in order to search optimum treatment for this malignant neoplasm relatively newly classified by the World Health Organization in 1991.