Mucoepidermoid tumor: a case report involving the operculum of an erupting permanent second molar

The mucoepidermoid tumor (carcinoma) accounts for approximately 6% to 8% of all salivary gland tumors. Although rare in children, it is the most common "malignant" salivary gland tumor, having been reported in major and minor (intraoral) salivary gland sites as well as in the maxilla and the mandible. In children, as in adults, it most often occurs in the parotid gland, but a significant percentage is found in the palate and retromolar pad area. Presently, there is no unanimity of opinion about whether to consider all mucoepidermoid tumors malignant or what the most appropriate treatment regimen is. The following is a case report of a mucoepidermoid tumor presumably arising from the reduced enamel epithelium in soft tissue overlying an erupting mandibular second molar in an 11-year-old boy. Theoretical origins of intraoral soft tissue mucoepidermoid tumors are discussed, as well as treatment philosophy. The importance of submitting, for microscopic diagnosis, all tissue removed during surgical procedure is illustrated in this case report.