Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma of the Lacrimal Gland 14 Years After En Bloc Resection of a Pleomorphic Lacrimal Gland Adenoma

A rare case of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma arising ex pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland: case report and review of the literature

A 92-year-old man presented with progressively worsening eye pain, diplopia on lateral gaze and blurred vision for the past 12 months. Radiological imaging confirmed a large left lacrimal gland lesion. The patient subsequently underwent a superio-lateral orbitotomy with left dacryoadenectomy and tumor removal, histopathology subsequently confirmed an epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma arising ex pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland. Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma is a rare lacrimal gland tumour and the authors believe this case to be the first reported in the Australian population and associated with prolonged eye pain.

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the nasopharynx: A case report and review of the literature

Background

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMCa) is a rare low-grade malignant tumor that most commonly occurs in the salivary glands, with approximately 320 cases having been reported worldwide. Here, we report the third case of EMCa occurring in the nasopharynx. Rare cases in the breast, pituitary gland, lacrimal gland, nose, paranasal sinus, nasal cavity, trachea and bronchus, lung, and even the pleura mediastinalis have also been reported. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry are useful for confirming the diagnosis of EMCa, which is characterized by biphasic tubular structures composed of inner ductal and outer clear myoepithelial cells and stains for different markers in each layer. However, because of the rarity of EMCa, the clinicopathological characteristics and treatment of these patients remain unclear.

Case presentation

We report a rare case of EMCa of the nasopharynx. A 51-year-old man presented with a 5-month history of pain while swallowing and aggravation accompanied by right ear tinnitus lasting for 1 month. Nasopharyngoscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the nasopharynx and neck revealed a 5.6 cm × 3.4 cm × 3.1 cm mass in the nasopharyngeal space, invasion of the right cavernous sinus, and lymph node enlargement in the right retropharyngeal space. On 17 April 2019, based on the histopathological and immunohistochemical features, a final diagnosis of EMCa of the right nasopharynx was made. The patient underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), and his symptoms were relieved after treatment. On 10 January 2022, nasopharynx MRI and biopsy revealed local recurrence, but chest and abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed no obvious signs of metastasis. The local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) period was 33 months.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the third reported case of EMCa in the nasopharynx and the only case of EMCa in the nasopharynx treated with CCRT, and a partial response was achieved. Therefore, to improve the quality of life and prognosis of patients with unresectable tumors, we believe that CCRT is a suitable option. Further clinical observations are required to elucidate the pathophysiology and prognosis of EMCa.

Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma of the Lacrimal Sac and Literature Review of the Lacrimal System

Background

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinomas make up less than 0.1% of head and neck malignancies and are regarded as rare, low-grade malignant neoplasms of the salivary gland. They are thought to arise from intercalated ducts with histopathology showing a classic biphasic morphology of an outer layer of myoepithelial cells and inner layer of epithelial cells. These tumors most commonly occur in the parotid gland; however, rare cases have also been described in the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, subglottis, base of tongue, and the lacrimal gland.

Objective

To describe the clinical presentation, surgical management, and histopathology of the first reported case of lacrimal sac epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma. To conduct a literature review of this malignancy, which is present in the lacrimal system.

Methods

Case report (n = 1) and literature review.

Results

We report a case of a 72-year-old man presenting with epiphora and a lacrimal sac mass with intranasal extension on imaging and nasal endoscopy. A combined endoscopic endonasal and open approach provided successful definitive treatment for final pathologic diagnosis of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the lacrimal sac, with orbital reconstruction and lacrimal stenting providing good cosmetic and functional results.

Conclusions

After PubMed database search for any case series or reports of lacrimal system epithelial-myoepithelial carcinomas, we believe this is the first documented case originating from the lacrimal sac. Although the histopathology of this tumor is distinct, unusual location and clinical presentation may pose significant diagnostic difficulties.

Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma Presenting as a Pseudo Veno-Lymphatic Malformation

A 41-year-old woman presented with several days of right eye pain and blurred vision. Examination and radiologic workup were consistent with a veno-lymphatic malformation, including demonstration of cystic fluid-fluid levels on imaging. Histopathology supported the presence of cystic spaces but revealed the final diagnosis of lacrimal epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma, a rare neoplasm typically associated with the salivary gland. This represents the first reported case of lacrimal epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma presenting with pain and evidence of intralesional cysts on radiographic and histopathologic evaluation. Better characterization will enable recognition, complete surgical excision, and potential adjuvant radiation therapy.

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of lacrimal gland from an ex pleomorphic adenoma

A 47-year-old man with a history of recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the right lacrimal gland presented with rapid onset of a swelling in the right orbit. Initial imaging with CT showed that the swelling was grossly involving the extraocular muscles. Hence we had a suspicion of malignant transformation, so a radical approach in the form of right orbital exenteration with anterior skull base resection and temporalis muscle reconstruction was taken. Postoperative histology revealed epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma, with immunopositivity for epithelial and myoepithelial components. Adjuvant radiation of 60 Gy was given with three-dimensional CT-based planning. This case portrays the importance of adjuvant treatment in recurrent pleomorphic adenoma and chance of malignant transformation in rare histologies.