Density of mast cells and microvessels in minor salivary gland tumors

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the density of mast cells and microvessels in minor salivary gland tumors. Forty-one cases of minor salivary gland tumors (pleomorphic adenoma, n = 10; adenoid cystic carcinoma, n = 11; mucoepidermoid carcinoma, n = 10; and polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma) were investigated using immunohistochemistry for mast cell tryptase and von-Willebrand factor. Density of mast cells was higher in mucoepidermoid carcinoma; however, no differences in the number of these cells were observed between the different types of tumors (p > 0.05). The number of mast cells was higher in periparenchymal areas in all tumors, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). Mucoepidermoid carcinoma showed the largest number of periparenchymal mast cells, whereas pleomorphic adenomas showed the smallest number of intraparenchymal mast cells (p > 0.05). The highest microvessel density was observed in mucoepidermoid carcinomas, being this difference statistically significant when mucoepidermoid carcinoma was compared to pleomorphic adenoma (p = 0.0034) and polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (p = 0.004). Microvessel density was significantly higher in adenoid cystic carcinoma when compared to pleomorphic adenoma (p = 0.0406) and polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (p = 0.0123). Comparison of mast cells and microvessel densities showed no significant difference between tumors. A quantitative difference in mast cells and microvessels was observed, particularly in mucoepidermoid carcinoma, a finding supporting the aggressive behavior of malignant salivary gland tumors without myoepithelial differentiation. Further studies are needed to determine the role of mast cells in angiogenesis, as well as in the development and biological behavior of these tumors.

Angiogenesis in salivary gland tumors: from clinical significance to treatment

“…In another study, MVD was estimated by immunostaining with antifactor VIII antibody, in minor SGT cases (total n = 41; PA, n = 10, ACC, n = 11; MEC, n = 10; PLGA, n = 10). The highest value found in MEC, while significant differences were found in MVD values between MEC and ACC compared to PA and PLGA [44]. In a more recent study by Faur et al, conducted on 45 benign (PA, n = 8; Warthin tumor, n = 7; Basal cell adenoma, n = 5) and 25 malignant (CXPA, n = 6; MEC, n = 6 ANC, n = 5; ACC, n = 4; adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified [ADC NOS], n = 4) SGTs, high MVD values (CD34 staining) were noted for benign, especially in Warthin's tumors, and reduced values in malignant tumors [45].…”

Increased Mast Cell Counts in Benign and Malignant Salivary Gland Tumors

“…Katopodi et al 17 demonstrated that MCC in PA is greater than canalicular adenoma and many other authors have reported that MCs are present in epithelial cell layer of Warthin’s tumor. 19 Accumulation of MCs has been attributed to migration of MCs from surrounding connective tissue or from blood vessels. 23 MC accumulation in this area promotes tumor progression via different pathways, including an increase in angiogenesis, degrading extracellular matrix and basement membrane proteins that facilitate tumor invasion and metastasis.…”

“…The average of MCC was separately measured in peri- and intra-tumoral areas. 12,19 In the normal SGs, MCC was evaluated in connective tissue between the epithelial components and the capsular area. Data were analyzed using SPSS 11 by t-test and Mann-Whitney and Krusskal-Wallis tests.…”

“…17,18 Recently, MCC has been evaluated in a group of minor salivary gland tumors. 19 As SGTs are relatively common in the head and neck region, in this study the MC distribution was investigated in the most common benign and malignant SGTs, as well as normal tissues from both minor and major SGs. …”

Mast Cell-Targeted Strategies in Cancer Therapy

“…Studies have allowed substantial progress in understanding the role of MCs in tumorigenesis and progression but further studies are necessary to completely elucidate their impact on the pathophysiology of cancer [30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37]. …”