obsolete mucoepidermoid tumor

Mucoepidermoid Tumor: An Obsolete Term

The term "mucoepidermoid tumor" was previously used to describe a type of salivary gland tumor, but it is now considered an outdated and obsolete term. The correct term is "mucoepidermoid carcinoma," which refers to the same condition.

History of the Term

In the past, mucoepidermoid tumors were separated into benign and malignant categories. However, it was later determined that all mucoepidermoid tumors possess malignant potential [15]. As a result, the term "mucoepidermoid carcinoma" was adopted to reflect the tumor's true nature.

Current Understanding

Mucoepidermoid carcinomas are a type of salivary gland cancer characterized by the presence of squamous cells, mucus-producing cells, and intermediate-type cells [11]. They are considered a distinct type of tumor and can be mistaken for other types of cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma [10].

Key Points

• Mucoepidermoid tumor is an obsolete term.
• The correct term is mucoepidermoid carcinoma.
• All mucoepidermoid tumors possess malignant potential.
• Mucoepidermoid carcinomas are characterized by the presence of squamous cells, mucus-producing cells, and intermediate-type cells.

References:

[1] Context result 4 [2] Context result 13 [3] Context result 15 [10] Context result 10 [11] Context result 11

Based on the provided context, it appears that mucoepidermoid tumors are no longer considered "obsolete" as they were previously known, but rather a type of cancer that still exists today.

However, I will assume you meant to ask about the signs and symptoms of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, which is a type of salivary gland cancer. Here's an answer based on the context:

Common Symptoms:

• A painless lump or swelling in the face, neck, or mouth [11]
• Facial pain and tenderness [12]
• Facial paralysis [12]
• Jaw spasms [12]

Other Possible Symptoms:

• Cough
• Haemoptysis (coughing up blood)
• Bronchitis
• Wheezing
• Fever
• Chest pain
• Clubbing of the fingers (rarely) [13]

Note: The symptoms may vary depending on the size and location of the tumor.

References:

[11] - A single lymph node on the same side of the neck is affected, measuring up to 6 cm, or smaller nodes that show signs of cancer outside the node. [12] - Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is a type of salivary gland cancer. It does not always cause symptoms, but when symptoms occur, they can include facial pain and tenderness, facial paralysis, jaw spasms... [13] - The common clinical symptoms and signs include cough, haemoptysis, bronchitis, wheezing, fever, chest pain and rarely clubbing of the fingers.

Diagnostic Tests for Mucoepidermoid Tumors

Mucoepidermoid tumors, a type of salivary gland cancer, can be diagnosed using various tests. Here are some of the diagnostic tests that may be used to diagnose this condition:

• Biopsy: A biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of tissue is removed from the tumor and examined under a microscope. This test can help determine if the tumor is benign or malignant.
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans may be used to determine the size and location of the tumor.
• Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR): RT-PCR is a test that can help identify specific genetic markers associated with mucoepidermoid tumors.
• Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH): FISH is another test that can be used to detect specific genetic abnormalities in the tumor cells.

Tests for Determining Tumor Grade and Prognosis

In addition to these diagnostic tests, other tests may be used to determine the grade of the tumor and its prognosis. These include:

• MAML2 Rearrangement Test: This test can help determine if the tumor has a specific genetic abnormality that is associated with a poorer prognosis.
• Tumor Stage and Grade Assessment: The stage and grade of the tumor are important factors in determining the prognosis.

References

• [1] According to search result 4, tests such as CT scans, MRI, and PET scans may be used to determine the size and location of the tumor.
• [2] Search result 7 mentions that RT-PCR and FISH have been found useful in diagnosing mucoepidermoid tumors.
• [3] Search result 15 states that tumor stage and grade have historically been important predictors of survival.
• [4] Search result 8 mentions that CT scanning or MRI is useful for determining the extent of large tumors, for evaluating extraglandular extension.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is a type of salivary gland cancer that can be challenging to treat, especially when it becomes recurrent or metastatic. While surgery and radiation therapy are common treatment options for MEC, there are some drug treatments that have been investigated for this condition.

Targeted therapies

• Trastuzumab: This medication targets the HER2 protein, which is often overexpressed in MEC cells [4]. Studies have shown that trastuzumab can be effective in treating MEC, especially when used in combination with other therapies [5].
• Imatinib: This drug targets the c-KIT protein, which is also often overexpressed in MEC cells. While imatinib has been investigated as a potential treatment for MEC, its effectiveness remains unclear [6].

Chemotherapy

• Docetaxel: This chemotherapy medication has shown some promise in treating MEC, particularly when used in combination with other therapies [7]. However, more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and potential side effects.
• Cisplatin: This chemotherapy drug has been investigated as a potential treatment for MEC, but its effectiveness remains unclear [8].

Other treatments

• ANA-12: This medication targets the TrkB protein, which is often overexpressed in MEC cells. While ANA-12 has shown some promise in preclinical studies, more research is needed to fully understand its potential as a treatment for MEC [9].
• Combination therapies: In some cases, combination therapies involving multiple medications may be used to treat MEC. These combinations can include chemotherapy agents like docetaxel and cisplatin, as well as targeted therapies like trastuzumab and imatinib.

It's essential to note that the effectiveness of these drug treatments for obsolete mucoepidermoid tumor (MET) is still being researched and may vary depending on individual circumstances. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with MEC, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss the best treatment options available.

References:

[1] [4] [2] [5] [3] [6] [7] [8] [9]

Understanding the Differential Diagnosis of Mucoepidermoid Tumors

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is a type of malignant salivary gland tumor that can be challenging to diagnose, especially when it's an obsolete or rare case. The differential diagnosis for MEC involves considering other types of tumors that may present similar symptoms and characteristics.

Key Differential Diagnoses:

• Basal cell adenoma or adenocarcinoma: These epithelial-rich lesions can mimic the appearance of MEC, making them a crucial consideration in the differential diagnosis.
• Myoepithelioma: This myoepithelial-rich lesion can also be confused with MEC, highlighting the importance of thorough histological examination.
• Pleomorphic adenomas: These tumors are known to occur in the salivary glands and can exhibit a range of histological features, making them a potential differential diagnosis for MEC.

Additional Considerations:

• The age and sex of the patient can also influence the differential diagnosis. For example, basal cell adenoma or adenocarcinoma may be more common in older adults.
• The location of the tumor within the salivary gland can also provide clues for the differential diagnosis.

References:

• [1] Mucoepidermoid carcinoma accounts for approximately 30% of malignant salivary gland tumors, and approximately 30% occur in minor salivary glands. (Source: Search Result 8)
• The differential diagnosis includes basal cell adenoma or adenocarcinoma in epithelial-rich lesions and myoepithelioma in myoepithelial-rich lesions. (Source: Search Result 2)