INTRACYSTIC MUCOEPIDERMOID CARCINOMA OF MINOR SALIVARY GLAND MIMICKING BENIGN LYMPHOEPITHELIAL CYST.

Tumors originating from minor salivary glands are uncommon, with roughly 25% being malignant. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma ranks as the second most prevalent malignant neoplasm affecting minor salivary glands. A 42-year-old female patient sought medical attention due to discomfort and a burning sensation on her tongue persisting for four months. Upon clinical examination, a painless, firm, whitish-yellowish papule measuring approximately 4mm was observed, situated at the junction between the lateral margin and the dorsum of the tongue, with no palpable cervical lymph nodes. Initial diagnostic considerations included papillitis and benign lymphoepithelial cyst. Subsequently, an excisional biopsy was performed, and the histopathological report confirmed a low-grade intracystic mucoepidermoid carcinoma of minor salivary glands, with clear margins of the neoplasm. The patient was referred to the head and neck specialist team and is currently being monitored in the clinical staging phase, thanks to the early diagnosis and favorable prognosis in managing the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]