OBJECTIVETo report eight cases of central mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the jaws (CMCJ) and to analyze its clinical and pathological features.

METHODSEight cases of central mucoepidermoid carcinoma were diagnosed between 1989 and 2008. The clinical manifestation, radiological and histopathological changes were analyzed.

RESULTSThe mean age of this group of patients was 43.3 years, with 5 male and 3 female. Seven cases occurred in mandible, mainly in the molar, angle and ramus areas, and one in maxilla. The first complain usually was local swelling, pain or paraesthesia of the jaw and loosening and pain of the tooth. X-ray displayed unilocular or multilocular radiolucent lesion with distinct or ill-distinct border, and the light microscopic findings were similar to the mucoepidermoid carcinoma originated in the salivary gland.

CONCLUSIONSTo diagnose a CMCJ, it's necessary to synthetically analyze the case history, clinical examination, radiological and histopathological features. The treatment is wide local resection. Selective neck dissection and radiochemotherapy may improve curative effect and prognosis.