The cytogenetical observations in a mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEG) arising from heterotopic intranodal salivary gland tissue are presented. The MEC was characterized by two reciprocal translocations, viz, t(1;7) (p36;q11) and t(11;19) (q14-21;p11). The present and the previous studies show that the last rearrangement or related deviations characterize about 40% of all MEG. The remaining cases form a subgroup distinguished by trisomies with or without concomitant structural deviations other than those affecting 11q14-22. At least MEC of the first subgroup show neither predilection for any specific anatomical site nor for any age group or particular sex. Inducing agent(s) and genotypic status of the tissue of origin seem to be the decisive factors for the chromosomal patterns in MEG.

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