Recurrent Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma of the Parotid with Direct Intracranial Extension

Abstract

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) is a rare malignant salivary gland neoplasm. First described in 1972 by Donath et al,¹ it was recognized as a distinct pathologic entity by the World Health Organization Classification in 1991.² It is thought to represent about 1% of all salivary gland tumors.²

EMC is a low-grade malignancy, however, recurrences and metastases to periparotid and cervical lymph nodes, as well as to distant sites, have occurred.² Metastasis to the brain has been reported.² To the best of our knowledge, direct intracranial extension has not been observed. We report a case of recurrent epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland that exhibited local aggressive behavior with direct intracranial invasion.