Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (patient information)
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Mucoepidermoid carcinoma |
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Mucoepidermoid carcinoma On the Web |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Mucoepidermoid carcinoma |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Maria Fernanda Villarreal, M.D. [2]
Overview
Tumors of the salivary glands comprise those in the major glands (e.g., parotid, submandibular, and sublingual) and the minor glands (e.g., oral mucosa, palate, uvula, floor of mouth, posterior tongue, retromolar area and peritonsillar area, pharynx, larynx, and paranasal sinuses.
What are the symptoms of Mucoepidermoid carcinoma?
Most patients with benign tumors of the major or minor salivary glands present with painless swelling of the parotid, submandibular, or the sublingual glands. Neurological signs, such as numbness or weakness caused by nerve involvement, typically indicate a malignancy
What causes Mucoepidermoid carcinoma?
There are no causes associated to mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Who is at highest risk?
Although exposure to ionizing radiation has been implicated as a cause of salivary gland cancer, the etiology of most salivary gland cancers cannot be determined
Diagnosis
CT scan and MRI
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your oncologist if symptoms of mucoepidermoid carcinoma develops.
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Mucoepidermoid carcinoma?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Prevention of Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
There is no prevention for mucoepidermoid carcinoma
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Overall, clinical stage, particularly tumor size, may be the crucial factor to determine the outcome of salivary gland cancer and may be more important than histologic grade
Possible complications
Complications of surgical treatment for parotid neoplasms include facial nerve dysfunction and Frey syndrome also known as gustatory flushing and sweating and the auriculotemporal syndrome. Frey syndrome has been successfully treated with injections of botulinum toxin
Source
Salivary Gland Cancer Treatment–for health professionals (PDQ®) http://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/hp/salivary-gland-treatment-pdq#link/_403_toc