Mucoepidermoid Tumor

Abstract

This tumor is a tumor of bronchial (“salivary”) gland derivation made of varying proportions of squamous cells, mucin-producing glandular cells, and intermediate cells. The major airways are usually involved but some tumors may be intraparenchymal. The age distribution is wide but generally favors the young, with no clear gender predilection. The symptoms are closely related to any degree of airway obstruction that may be present. Parenchymal lesions may be silent. The chest radiograph may be normal or show early changes of post-obstructive pneumonitis or atelectasis. Some tumors present as solitary nodules. Unilateral hyperlucency in a patient with bronchial asthma has been described in association with these tumors. Those tumors located in the lower trachea or major bronchi are easily accessible to the bronchoscope and show variable degree of obstruction. The tumors arising from the mucosal surface may have a pinkish-red appearance and a prominent vascular engorgement at their mucosal surfaces.