Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma Grading — NDEB AFK MCQ
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Correct answer: A — Proportion of squamous (epidermoid) cells, mucous cells, and intermediate cells
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common malignant salivary gland tumour. It is histologically graded (low, intermediate, or high) based on the proportion and arrangement of its three cell types: mucous (mucin-producing) cells, epidermoid (squamous) cells, and intermediate cells. Low-grade MECs have predominantly mucous and cystic components (good prognosis, >90% 5-year survival). High-grade MECs are predominantly solid with epidermoid cells, perineural/vascular invasion, and necrosis (poor prognosis, ~30-50% 5-year survival).
Reference: Neville – Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 4th ed., 2016