Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Palate in a 5-Year-Old Girl: Case Report and Literature Review.

Background: Minor salivary gland tumors in children are uncommon. However, despite the low overall incidence, there is a high incidence of malignancy in these young patients which is reported to be above 50%, with mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) predominating. We hope that this well-documented case report will contribute to the enlightenment of the behavior and prognosis of pediatric MEC of palatal minor salivary gland tumors. Case report: A 5-year-old girl was admitted to our center with a histologically confirmed MEC of the left hard palate. Primary incision for drainage of a supposed abscess and secondary biopsy had been performed elsewhere, leading to a delay in diagnosis of 14 days. After further work-up, we excised the tumor to include the adjacent bone; clear margins of 10 mm were revealed. Adjuvant therapy was not necessary. The defect was allowed to undergo secondary wound healing. As of the 1-year follow-up, there had been no recurrences. Conclusion: For differential diagnosis, MEC should be considered in cases of soft, slow-growing, painless, pale erythroid-livid lumps of the palate-even in young patients. Especially for nonresponders to initial treatment, early biopsy is recommended for histological confirmation or exclusion of a minor salivary gland tumor. Keywords: Children, minor salivary gland tumor, mucoepidermoid carcinoma