Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
Isolation of Cells with Morphological and Spatial Information from Oral Submucous Fibrosis Samples by Laser Capture Microdissection
Published on: August 11, 2023
Characterizing Warthin-Like Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma: Clinicopathologic Features and MAML2 Rearrangements in 14 Latin
Ricardo Anderson de Oliveira Vasconcelos1, Isaac Santos Araújo1, Luiz Miguel Ferreira1
1Oral Diagnosis Department, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Avenida Limeira 901, Areião, Piracicaba, São Paulo, 13414-900, Brazil.
Purpose:
Warthin-like mucoepidermoid carcinoma (WL-MEC) is a low-grade variant of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), characterized by a multicystic growth pattern and dense lymphoid stroma, histologically mimicking Warthin tumor (WT). Few cases have been reported, limiting understanding of this variant. We aimed to provide a comprehensive clinical, histopathologic, and molecular analysis of new WL-MEC cases.
Methods And Results:
Fourteen WL-MEC cases from Brazil, Guatemala, and Mexico were analyzed. Clinicopathologic features (patient demographics, tumor location, AFIP grading, follow-up, recurrence), histological characteristics (architectural patterns, inflammatory infiltrate, epithelial components, invasion), and immunohistochemical profiles (CK5/6, p63, p40, CK7, CK14, Ki67, HER2) were assessed. MAML2 generearrangements and HER2 amplification were evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). All 14 cases showed MAML2 rearrangement (100%), confirming the diagnosis, while HER2 amplification was absent in all 9 cases tested.
Conclusions:
This study provides new insights into the clinicopathological and molecular features of WL-MEC, confirming its typical presentation (parotid gland, middle-aged females), low-grade behavior, and favorable prognosis after surgical excision. Detection of MAML2 rearrangement is a valuable diagnostic tool for distinguishing WL-MEC from WT.