Oncocytes in Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Palate: Diagnostic Challenges

The origin of a salivary gland tumour is attributed to cells at various levels of differentiation which present histologically as diverse tissues and cellular patterns. Mitochondria-rich, eosinophilic oncocytes are cells commonly encountered in salivary gland neoplasms. We report a case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) in the palate of a 43-year-old female that exhibited a prominent oncocytic component. While the parotid and submandibular glands have been reported as predominant sites for oncocytic MEC (OMEC), the palate and minor salivary glands are rare sites for occurrence. Also, most of the reported cases of OMEC have been histologically of low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma with large cystic spaces and good prognosis. In this article, we discuss the differential diagnosis and diagnostic workup of an MEC presenting with oncocytes.