[Salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma: unusual variants with detection of the t(11,19)(q21;p13) translocation].

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) represents the most common malignant salivary gland tumour. Based on the proportion of their constituent cell types, MECs may display a wide morphological spectrum, thereby mimicking diverse types of other primary salivary gland carcinomas. The correct diagnosis relies on demonstration of classical MEC features, assisted by histochemical and immunohistochemical stains in equivocal cases. The current article aims to demonstrate, on the basis of own observations, how the detection of the MEC-typical t(11, 19) translocation may be of great value in difficult-to-classify cases. The differential diagnosis includes squamous cell carcinoma, clear cell carcinoma and oncocytic neoplasms, as well as highly malignant adenocarcinomas which cannot be further classified.