National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Myoepithelial carcinoma

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Most research indicates myoepithelial carcinoma (malignant myoepithelioma) is a rare cancer of the salivary glands. Can this cancer occur on someone's back? Also, is this a terminal illness with a short life expectancy?

The following information may help to address your question:


Can myoepithelial carcinoma occur on someone's back?

Yes, in addition to occurring in the salivary glands, this type of cancer can also occur in the skin or soft tissues.[1] We have located a case report of cutaneous myoepithelial carcinoma occurring on a person's back.[2]

Tanahashi J, Kashima K, Daa T, Kondo Y, Kuratomi E, Yokoyama S. A case of cutaneous myoepithelial carcinoma. J Cutan Pathol. 2007 Aug;34(8):648-53.

It is important to keep in mind that although there are often symptoms or clinical findings that are documented in case reports, they are based on the specific individuals that are studied and may differ from one affected person to another.

As this article is written using fairly technical language, if you do not have a background in medicine or the sciences, we would recommend you review it with your medical professional. 
Last updated: 11/18/2016

What is the long-term outlook for myoepithelial carcinoma?

The prognosis for myoepithelial carcinoma likely depends on various factors and may be difficult to predict. Follow-up studies with information on prognosis are limited. One study that followed 27 patients from 9 months-17 years found that 14 individuals had recurrent tumors, 6 developed distant metastasis, 3 regional lymph node metastasis, and 10 passed away.[3] Another study found that among 31 malignant soft tissue myoepithelial tumors, 13 recurred in the same area (42%) and 10 metastasized (32%).[4]
Last updated: 11/18/2016

We hope this information is helpful. We strongly recommend you discuss this information with your doctor. If you still have questions, please contact us.

Warm regards,
GARD Information Specialist

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  1. Salivary Gland Cancer Treatment: Myoepithelial carcinoma. National Cancer Institute Web site. September 15, 2015; https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/hp/salivary-gland-treatment-pdq#link/_311. Accessed 11/18/2016.
  2. Tanahashi J, Kashima K, Daa T, Kondo Y, Kuratomi E, Yokoyama S. A case of cutaneous myoepithelial carcinoma. A case of cutaneous myoepithelial carcinoma. August 2007; 34(8):648-53. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17640237.
  3. Yu G; Ma D; Sun K; Li T; Zhang Y. Myoepithelial carcinoma of the salivary glands: behavior and management.. Chin Med J. 2003; 116(2):163-165. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=12775221.
  4. Hornick JL, Fletcher CD. Myoepithelial tumors of soft tissue: a clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of 101 cases with evaluation of prognostic parameters. Am J Surg Pathol. 2003 Sep;27(9):1183-96..