Amylase in lung carcinomas

Abstract

The ultrastructure of two lung adenocarcinomas with immunohistochemical and biochemical expression of amylase is reported. Isoenzyme determination performed on tumour tissue showed a salivary‐type amylase. None of the carcinomas was associated with hyperamylasaemia. Ultrastruc‐turally, the adenocarcinomas contained a varying number of heterogeneous granules resembling lysosomes. None of the tumours contained mature zymogen granules. The findings are discussed in relation to previous cases of amylase‐containing lung carcinomas subjected to electron microscopy. The vast majority of these carcinomas were associated with a significant elevation of serum amylase. Various theories which might explain the absence of hyperamylasaemia in the presented cases are proposed. The biological and diagnostic significance of amylase production is discussed.