Hyalinizing Clear Cell Carcinoma of Soft Palate and Nasopharynx treated with wide local excision

Abstract

Usually found near the base of the tongue and palate, hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma manifests as a painless submucosal swelling. This uncommon tumor has frequently been mistaken for other, more prevalent tumours with clear cytoplasm, like mucoepidermoid carcinoma, acinic cell carcinoma, or clear cell oncocytoma. According to reports, hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma is a low-grade malignant tumour that frequently spreads to the cervical region. There is no treatment strategy because it is so uncommon. Wide local excision is the preferred treatment, and neck dissection, radiation therapy, or both are used to treat the condition. However, because of the too-low incidence or underreporting and absence of long-term follow-up, there is no definitive result. Our case emphasizes the challenges associated with diagnosing such uncommon cases and the necessity of a long period of post-excision follow-up to assess treatment’s outcome.