Cell proliferation in salivary gland adenocarcinomas with myoepithelial participation

Abstract

We used three markers of cell proliferation mitotic counts, mitotic index and expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen--to assess the proliferative activity of a series of 78 low-grade salivary adenocarcinomas with myoepithelial participation classified according to: their histological type, the predominant architectural type, and the predominant cytological type. The series included adenoid cystic carcinomas (40), epithelial-myoepithelial carcinomas (19), polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinomas (12) and basal cell adenocarcinomas (7). The proliferation indicators were found to be similar in the first three groups, being significantly lower than in the last. Tumours formed by basal cells had statistically significant higher mitotic indexes than those predominantly composed of clear cells of myoepithelial type and ductal cells. Tubular tumours, irrespective of the histological classification of the neoplasm, had proliferation indexes similar to those found in cribriform neoplasms. Solid tumours, whether formed by ductal or clear myoepithelial-type cells, had higher indexes than the neoplasms with differentiated (cribriform and tubular) patterns. The highest mean values for every proliferation indicator used were found in tumours with solid organization that were predominantly formed by basal cells. These results agree with the hypothesis that cell proliferation is inversely related to neoplastic differentiation. The identification of the prevalent cell phenotype and architecture may extend our knowledge from adenoid cystic carcinoma, whose solid variant carries a worse prognosis, and supports that the usual classification of this group of salivary adenocarcinomas would benefit to be complemented with information on tumour architecture and cellular composition.

PCNA, Ki-67 and p53 expressions in submandibular salivary gland tumours

“…These authors reported that the difference was probably due to the antibody used. FONSECA et al 5 also found low expression of Ki-67 in ACC. In our series, the expression of p53 and PCNA were higher in ACCs than in PA but lower than in MEC.…”

Expression of Ki67 and CD105 as Proliferation and Angiogenesis Markers in Salivary Gland Tumors

“…In our study 11% and 16%, of muco epidermoid carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma were respectively negative for this marker. In the study reported by Cleveland expression of Ki67 was observed in 88.2% of adenoid cystic carcinoma (Lazzaro and Cleveland, 2000) but Fonseka et al reported a low incidence of this marker in adenoid cystic carcinoma (Fonseca et al, 1997).…”

Immunohistochemical study of the expression of fatty acid synthase and Ki-67 in salivary gland tumors

“…However, Fonseca et al. (34) observed lower number of mitoses in the cribriform and tubular patterns of cystic adenoid carcinoma, with higher values for the solid pattern. Similar results were also observed for the solid pattern of epithelial–myoepithelial carcinomas and polymorphous low grade adenocarcinomas.…”