El Mehdi Harbili, Jalal Oubenjah, Ahmed Rouihi, Mohamed Zalagh, Saloua Ouraini, Mouad Moujoud, Fouad Benariba, Noureddine Errami
Journal: Medpeer Publisher
ISSN: 3066-2737
Volume: 3
Issue: 3
Date of Publication: 2026/03/31
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common malignant tumor of the salivary glands, predominantly affecting the major salivary glands, particularly the parotid. Involvement of minor salivary glands is less frequent, and localization within the tonsillar region is exceptional. Clinical presentation is often nonspecific, which may delay diagnosis. We report the case of a 34-year-old woman presenting with progressive dysphagia evolving into odynophagia over four months. Oropharyngeal examination revealed a homogeneous unilateral hypertrophy of the left palatine tonsil. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a well-circumscribed tonsillar mass with diffusion restriction and contrast enhancement, without regional lymphadenopathy. The patient underwent bilateral tonsillectomy. Histopathological examination revealed a low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma with perineural invasion and clear surgical margins. Adjuvant radiotherapy was administered following multidisciplinary discussion. After one year of follow-up, no locoregional recurrence was observed. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge posed by unilateral tonsillar hypertrophy and emphasizes the importance of histopathological examination for early diagnosis and appropriate management.
Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma - Minor Salivary Glands - Palatine Tonsile - Tonsillectomy - Low-grade Malignancy - Perineural Invasion
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