Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma: An unusual tumor of the paranasal sinus

Abstract

A 65-year old woman presented with nasal obstruction and on examination was found to have a huge mass in the maxillary sinus. This was removed, and histological examination revealed a mixture of trabecular structures consisting of inner dark cells, outer clear cells and solid structures consisting of only clear cells. Immunohistochemical examination showed the clear cells to be positive for alpha-smooth muscle actin. Ultrastructural examination confirmed the myoepithelial cell origin. The characteristic morphological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features aided in the diagnosis of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma.