Clear cell change in a lower lip mucocele

Area of Science:

• Oral Pathology
• Dermatopathology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Oral mucoceles are common reactive lesions characterized by mucus extravasation and foamy macrophages.
• Unusual variants like superficial mucoceles and those with myxoglobulosis or synovial metaplasia have been documented.

Observation:

• A case report details a 74-year-old male with an asymptomatic lower labial swelling.
• Microscopic examination revealed a mucocele with prominent macrophage proliferation, extensive clear cytoplasmic vacuolation, and signet-ring cell formation.

Findings:

• The observed microscopic features represent an unusual presentation of oral mucocele.
• This variant can mimic clear cell neoplasms, necessitating careful histopathological evaluation.

Implications:

• Accurate diagnosis of this mucocele variant is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis with neoplastic conditions.
• Clinical information, histochemistry, and immunohistochemistry are vital for differentiating this lesion from clear cell tumors.