Diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of minor salivary gland cancer in a young patient

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common subtype of salivary gland malignancy and displays distinct histological features. A 17-year-old female patient, with nothing noteworthy in her medical history, was referred to our service for evaluation of a lesion located on the palate. According to the patient, the lesion appeared 4 months prior to consultation. Intraoral examination showed a purplish nodule on the right side of the hard palate measuring 1 × 1 cm, with a fibroelastic consistency and painful symptoms. Computed tomography revealed a nodular lesion with well-defined limits and absence of bone involvement. A biopsy was performed, and histopathologic examination revealed a cystic structure with mucus-secreting and epidermoid cells, characterizing a mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The patient was treated by surgical excision under general anesthesia and is being followed by our team. At 12-month follow-up, she is in good general health and has no evidence of tumor recurrence.