ABSTRACT

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma is a rare malignant tumor predominantly arising from salivary glands. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma ex pleormorphic adenoma (MECxPA) is a rare subtype with only ten cases reported in literature. This is a case report of a 53- year-old female with three years history of parotid swelling mimicking clinical features of a benign tumor and even eluding fine needle cytology as pleormorphic adenoma. Histopathological examination reported malignancy of MECxPA variant following superficial parotidectomy. This cytodiagnostic pitfall has been widely reported in literature hence warranting a high index of suspicion and aggressive management in addressing parotid tumors to ensure prompt and adequate treatment.