Myoepithelial carcinoma of the retromolar area with extensive mandibular involvement

Myoepithelial tumors were first described in 1943, and account for less than 1% of all salivary gland neoplasms. Their malignant variant, myoepithelial carcinoma, was first reported by Stromeyer et al. in 1975 and represents a very rare entity, characterized by distinct morphologic heterogeneity and an infiltrative growth pattern into adjacent tissues. However, there have been few reports on myoepithelial carcinoma affecting intra-oral minor salivary glands, and its immunohistochemical features have been poorly illustrated. We herein describe a rare case of myoepithelial carcinoma affecting the retromolar region of a 52-year-old woman that caused extensive mandibular bone destruction. We also reviewed the English literature concerning the involvement of intra-oral minor salivary glands by myoepithelial carcinoma.