Myoepithelial carcinoma of the retromolar area with extensive mandibular involvement

Myoepithelial tumors were first described in 1943, and account for less than 1% of all salivary gland neoplasms. Their malignant variant, myoepithelial carcinoma, was first reported by Stromeyer et al. in 1975 and represents a very rare entity, characterized by distinct morphologic heterogeneity and an infiltrative growth pattern into adjacent tissues. However, there have been few reports on myoepithelial carcinoma affecting intra‐oral minor salivary glands, and its immunohistochemical features have been poorly illustrated. We herein describe a rare case of myoepithelial carcinoma affecting the retromolar region of a 52‐year‐old woman that caused extensive mandibular bone destruction. We also reviewed the English literature concerning the involvement of intra‐oral minor salivary glands by myoepithelial carcinoma.