Primary myoepithelial carcinoma of the clivus: A rare presentation

Myoepithelial tumor (MET) of bone is an unusual tumor of uncertain differentiation and histogenesis. Although its presence in various bones has been reported sparsely, the presentation in clivus as primary myoepithelial carcinoma (MEC) has never been reported. They resemble their salivary gland counterparts morphologically and immunohistochemically, but harbor distinct molecular phenotype. At present, moderate nuclear atypia is the acceptable criteria to differentiate MEC from myoepithelioma. Because of their rarity, wide histopathological spectrum, and intraosseous location, MET of bone is easily confused with a variety of primary bone and cartilaginous tumors. Application of immunohistochemistry and, if required, molecular testing are required for making a correct diagnosis. In this article, we describe an extremely rare case of a primary MEC arising from the clivus, which owing to unusual location and immunohistochemical profile was diagnostically challenging.