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Updated: Oct 20, 2025
Author Spotlight: A Focus on Standardized Salivary Gland Ultrasound Protocol in Connective Tissue Disease Research
Published on: October 13, 2023
Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of Sublingual Salivary Gland: A Rare Case Report
K Sankar1, G Vasupradha2, N Jaipal1
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Mahatma Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Puducherry, India.
Rationale:
Sublingual salivary gland tumours are very rare but are mostly malignant. As very limited literature is available, we present a rare case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of sublingual salivary gland.
Patient Concerns:
A56-year-old female presented with an asymptomatic swelling of 15-year duration in the floor of the mouth and chin region.
Diagnosis:
Mandibular occlusal view, computed tomography scan, and ultrasonogram revealed calcification and the tumour to be of salivary origin. Incisional biopsy showed clear cell changes.
Treatment:
The sublingual and submandibular salivary gland along with the associated nodes was excised through transoral approach with midline osteotomy.
Outcomes:
The histopathologic diagnosis of excised specimen was "Intermediate grade MEC" with clear cell changes, stromal hyalinization, and local invasion. The patient was followed up for 12 months, and there was no evidence of any recurrence.
Takeaway Lessons:
Sublingual salivary gland malignancies show early invasion and a higher rate of metastases, thus requiring a vigilant intervention.
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