A case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma with melanin pigmentation manifested in the palate.

ABSTRACT

This paper describes the first documented case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) with melanin pigmentation manifested in the palate. Histopathological sections showed a neoplasm composed of epidermoid, mucous-producing and intermediate cells. Numerous large cells contained dark pigmented materials. Fontana Masson staining revealed dendritic melanocytes and melanin granules. HMB-45, Melan A and S-100 protein were all positive for melanocytes. Histopathological examination was not typical for malignant melanoma; the lesion was diagnosed as a low-grade MEC with melanin pigmentation.