Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Salivary Glands for Sjogren's Syndrome: Diagnostic and Monitoring Insights
Published on: October 13, 2023
Low-grade clear cell carcinoma with myoepithelial features in the submandibular gland
Takuo Haruyama1, Masayuki Furukawa, Fumihiko Matsumoto
1School of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421 Japan.
Abstract:
Clear cell carcinoma is rarely found in the salivary gland. It is classified as a low-grade carcinoma. This case demonstrates a low-grade clear cell carcinoma with myoepithelial features in the submandibular gland which differs from hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma and epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma. A 32-year-old man presented with a 7 month history of left submandibular swelling. Left submandibular gland excision and left-sided supra-omohyoid neck dissection were performed. Microscopically, the tumor was circumscribed and composed predominantly of cords and nests of clear ovoid cells, set in a densely hyalinizing stroma. These cells are diffusely immunoreactive for cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and focally reactive for vimentin and smooth muscle actin (SMA). Based on these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as "a low-grade clear cell carcinoma with myoepithelial features". The post-operative course was uneventful and the patient is free from disease 21 month after surgery.
Related Concept Videos
Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Glandular Epithelium
Multicellular glands are formed during early development when epithelial budding...
Exocrine Glands: Unicellular and Multicellular Glands
Exocrine Glands: Types of Secretions
Serous glands produce watery secretions rich in digestive enzymes and proteins. The constituent cells of the serous gland have centrally located nuclei and eosinophilic secretory granules in the cytoplasm. The parotid gland is an example of a serous gland. It secretes saliva, which contains enzymes, such as lipases and...
Cellular Adaptation IV: Dysplasia and Metaplasia
Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Simple Epithelium
Because of the thinness of the cells, simple squamous epithelium is present where the rapid passage of chemical compounds is observed. For example, the endothelium that lines the capillaries and vessels...