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Low-Grade Clear Cell Carcinoma with Myoepithelial Features in the Submandibular Gland

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Abstract

Clear cell carcinoma is rarely found in the salivary gland. It is classified as a low-grade carcinoma. This case demonstrates a low-grade clear cell carcinoma with myoepithelial features in the submandibular gland which differs from hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma and epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma. A 32-year-old man presented with a 7 month history of left submandibular swelling. Left submandibular gland excision and left-sided supra-omohyoid neck dissection were performed. Microscopically, the tumor was circumscribed and composed predominantly of cords and nests of clear ovoid cells, set in a densely hyalinizing stroma. These cells are diffusely immunoreactive for cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and focally reactive for vimentin and smooth muscle actin (SMA). Based on these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as “a low-grade clear cell carcinoma with myoepithelial features”. The post-operative course was uneventful and the patient is free from disease 21 month after surgery.

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Acknowledgments

This case was consulted with Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in regard to the pathological diagnosis.

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Correspondence to Takuo Haruyama.

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Haruyama, T., Furukawa, M., Matsumoto, F. et al. Low-Grade Clear Cell Carcinoma with Myoepithelial Features in the Submandibular Gland. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 63 (Suppl 1), 131–134 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-011-0196-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-011-0196-8

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