MUCOEPIDERMOID CARCINOMA WITH CUTANEOUS PRESENTATION

Mucoepidermoid carcinomas are malignant neoplasms that rarely involve the skin. Composed of both mucus-secreting cells and epidermoid-type c ells in various proportions, mucoepidermoid carcinomas occur most comm only in salivary glands. In this case report, we describe a high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma with cutaneous involvement. Although this pa tient was referred for Mohs' micrographic surgery, further evaluation showed either direct or metastatic extension from the parotid gland to skin and distant metastases to the lung and bone. Despite extensive b one involvement, serum levels of ionized calcium, phosphorus, and lact ate dehydrogenase remained normal. In view of the widespread metastase s, the treatment plan was altered to radiotherapy and chemotherapy ins tead of surgery. Instructive lessons from this case include the recogn ition by dermatologists of this rare entity, the importance of a detai led history and complete evaluation of the patient before determining appropriate therapy, and the necessity of individualizing diagnostic t ests to a particular patient.