Background and purpose: Salivary gland myoepithelial carcinoma (MC) is a rare malignant salivary gland neoplasm

and its diagnosis and treatment remain controversial. This study aimed to discuss the clinical features

pathological manifestation

immunohistochemical phenotype and therapy in order to make progress in diagnosis and treatment of salivary gland MC. Methods: The clinical data of 12 cases of salivary gland MC from Jan. 2010 to Jun. 2016 were analyzed. The average age of the 12 cases was (48.9±12.2) years. Microscopic changes were analyzed after the sections were stained with routine H-E and immunohistochemical methods. 11 cases received radical surgery only

and 2 cases received postoperative radiotherapy. One case with incomplete resection was administered with 4 cycles of docetaxel+cisplatin chemotherapy regimen (120 mg docetaxel on day 1 and 40 mg cisplatin on days 1‑3

every 28 days). Results: Seven cases occurred in parotid glands and 5 occurred in minor salivary glands. The common size of MC was between 2 and 5 centimeters. Tumors in section appeared off white or grey pink

the capsules were intact

the boundaries were unclear

and necrosis and liquescence existed. Clear cells were predominant in MC

while epithelioid

plasmacytoid

and spindle cells also existed. Cell atypia was obvious and necrosis and liquescence were shown in 4 cases. CK

S-100

EMA

SMA

calponin

p63

Vim and Ki-67 were expressed in 12

7

7

4

8

11

5 and 9 cases

respectively. Ki-67 labelling index was 2%～40%

and 15% was the average. The follow-up time was 2-78 months. Local recurrence and metastasis were not detected in 10 cases who underwent extended resection

and 1 case died of renal myoepithelial carcinoma 5 months after operation. One case died 3 months after chemotherapy. Conclusion: The histological changes of myoepithelial carcinoma cells are diverse. Pathological methods and the immunohistochemical examination of CK

p63

Ki-67

S-100

Vim

calponin

EMA and SMA are helpful for improving the diagnosis rate. Surgery with tumour-free margins is the main treatment for myoepithelial carcinoma. Neck dissection is not necessary for the cases without local lymphatic metastasis.