Hyalinizing Clear Cell Carcinoma (HCCC) is a rare malignant tumor arising from the minor salivary glands, first identified and named by Milchgrub et al. in 1994. The upper jaw is the most commonly affected site, followed by the buccal mucosa, base of the tongue, floor of the mouth, lips, and tonsils. Clinically, HCCC typically presents as a painless submucosal mass, often accompanied by mucosal ulceration. We report a rare case of HCCC involving the left hard palate in a 36-year-old female who presented with a six-month history of a growth in the palatal region. Clinical examination revealed a firm, indurated, non-tender proliferative lesion measuring 2 × 2 cm² on the left hard palate. A provisional diagnosis of a solitary salivary gland tumor was considered. An incisional biopsy was performed, and histopathological evaluation revealed classic clear cells arranged in anastomosing trabeculae, cords, nests, and solid sheets within a hyalinized stroma. Accurate identification of the neoplastic entity was enabled by integrating special staining techniques like Periodic Acid Schiff and Mucicarmine with immune histochemical profiling for smooth muscle actin and cytokeratin 8/18, thereby enhancing diagnostic precision. Given the rarity of this entity, it is essential to exclude other lesions with similar histopathological features to ensure accurate diagnosis and improve patient prognosis.

Radhika Ramgundamwar is a postgraduate in Oral Pathology from the Government Dental College and Hospital, Hyderabad. She graduated with distinction as the university topper in Oral Pathology, underscoring her academic excellence and dedication to the discipline. Her professional interests lie in oral disease diagnosis, pathology research, and advancing preventive dental care. Beyond her academic achievements, she has been invited as a guest lecturer to multiple awareness programs, where she has delivered lectures on oral health, pathology, and community based preventive strategies.