TRPS1 expression in salivary gland-type breast carcinoma and its clinical application / 中华病理学杂志

Objective: To investigate the expression of TRPS1 in salivary gland-type breast carcinoma and its clinical application. Methods: A total of 30 cases of salivary gland-type breast carcinoma diagnosed from May 2015 to November 2022 at the Department of Pathology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were collected. The expression of TRPS1 was detected by immunohistochemistry and compared with that of GATA3. TRPS1 and GATA3 expression in 24 cases of primary salivary gland carcinoma. Results: There were 10 cases of breast secretory carcinoma, aged 21-61 years (median 53.5 years), with the size ranging from 0.9-2.2 cm (median 1.6 cm), 2 of which were accompanied by axillary nodal macrometastasis. All patients were alive after 2-55 months of follow-up (median 29.5 months, mean 29.7 months). There were 20 cases of breast adenoid cystic carcinoma, aged 36-77 years (median 53.5 years), with the size ranging from 1.2-5.5 cm (median 2.5 cm), 3 of which were accompanied by axillary nodal macrometastasis. All patients were alive after 3-92 months of follow-up (median 22.5 months, mean 31.7 months), and 1 patient had lung metastasis 15 months after surgery. The medium/high expression ratio of TRPS1 in breast secretory carcinoma was 10/10, which was higher than that of GATA3 (7/10). TRPS1 was also positive in the 2 cases with lymph node metastases. The medium/high expression rate of TRPS1 in breast adenoid cystic carcinoma was 20/20, which was significantly higher than that of GATA3 (2/20). TRPS1 was highly expressed in both classic and solid subtypes, while GATA3 was only expressed in a few cases of the classic subtype. TRPS1 was also positive in 3 cases with lymph node metastases and 1 case of the pulmonary metastases. The expression level of TRPS1 was the same in 1 case before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In addition, TRPS1 was positive in parotid secretory carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma. The medium/high expression rate of TRPS1 in parotid secretory carcinoma (6/6) was higher than that of GATA3 (2/6), and the medium/high expression rate of TRPS1 in parotid adenoid cystic carcinoma (17/18) was higher than that of GATA3 (2/18). Conclusions: The expression of TRPS1 is highly sensitive to salivary gland-type breast carcinoma, especially in GATA3-negative solid subtype of adenoid cystic carcinoma, which plays an important role in clinical practice.

Estudo da imunoexpressão de proteínas envolvidas na transição epitélio-mesênquima em tumores de glândula salivar / Study of the immunoexpression of proteins involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in salivary gland tumors

Os tumores de glândula salivar (TGS) apresentam notável complexidade clínica e biológica, razão para a qual muitos estudos investigam os eventos envolvidos na sua progressão. Uma das dinâmicas envolvidas na invasão tumoral de diversos tipos de carcinomas é a transição epitélio-mesênquima (TEM). Neste processo, as células epiteliais sofrem transição para um estado mesenquimal móvel, favorecendo a invasão e metástase. Sendo assim, esta pesquisa analisou a expressão imuno-histoquímica de E-caderina, Twist1, Snail1, α-SMA, metaloproteinases de matriz 9 (MMP-9) e Vimentina (VM) em 90 casos de TGS, correlacionando-os entre si e com parâmetros clinicopatológicos. Foram selecionados 20 casos de Adenoma pleomórfico (AP), 20 casos de Carcinoma mucoepidermoide (CME), 20 casos de Carcinoma adenoide cístico (CAC), 10 casos de Adenocarcinoma polimorfo (ACP), 10 casos de Carcinoma epitelial-mioepitelial (CEME) e 10 casos de Carcinoma ex-adenoma pleomórfico (CexAP). A análise de E-caderina, Twist1, Snail1 foi realizada em parênquima tumoral sendo observado o percentual de células positivas (PP), com escores variando de 0 a 4, e a intensidade de expressão (IE), cujos escores variaram de 0 a 3. A avaliação de MMP-9 foi realizada em parênquima e estroma tumoral, também avaliando-se a PP e a IE, ambos baseados em escores que variaram de 0 a 3. A marcação para α-SMA e VM foi analisada em região de estroma tumoral. Células positivas para α-SMA foram contabilizadas em 10 campos, obtendo-se, então a média. A VM foi avaliada de forma qualitativa, utilizando-se 4 escores de acordo com a IE e se a marcação é difusa ou focal. Os dados obtidos foram analisados no software Statistical Package for Social Science, GraphPad Prism e STATA. O nível de significância de 5% foi adotado para os testes estatísticos. Foi verificada menor imunomarcação de E-caderina nos APs em relação às neoplasias malignas de glândula salivar (NMGS). Observou-se baixa imunoexpressão de Twist1 e Snail1 em APs. Em relação a expressão nuclear do Twist1, constatou-se maior expressão nas neoplasias malignas quando comparadas aos APs. Ainda, Twist1 em núcleo foi correlacionado à expressão citoplasmática de E-caderina nas NMGS. No que concerne aos parâmetros clinicopatológicos, esta proteína se relacionou estatisticamente com maiores chances de óbito. Foi evidenciada baixa imunoexpressão de Snail1 entre as NMGS. No entanto, na análise dos CACs, foi verificada maior expressão nuclear na variante sólida em relação às demais. A expressão de MMP-9 em parênquima demonstrou correlação positiva com Twist1 citoplasmático e Snail1nuclear nas NMGS. A MMP-9 também apresentou correlação positiva na comparação da sua imunoexpressão em região de parênquima e de estroma. A VM se apresentou como um biomarcador a ser considerado na avaliação clínica dos pacientes, já que esta apresentou relação significativa com tamanho do tumor (T3-T4) e maior frequência de óbito. Ademais, a alta expressão desta proteína se apresentou como um fator preditivo independente para piores taxas de sobrevida global (SG). A avaliação dos demais fatores clinicopatológicos apresentou estágios clínicos avançados como indicador de valor prognóstico independente para menores taxas de SG, enquanto que para a sobrevida livre da doença, estes foram a localização em glândula salivar menor e presença de metástase à distância. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que o processo de TEM pode estar relacionado ao estágio de diferenciação celular em APs e à progressão tumoral nas NMGS. Ressalta-se, também, maior participação de Twist1 e MMP-9 no cenário da TEM em tumores malignos de glândula salivar, além da possibilidade de utilização da VM como indicador de valor prognóstico (AU).

Salivary gland tumors (SGTs) present remarkable clinical and biological complexity; therefore, many studies investigate the events involved in their progression. One of the dynamics involved in the tumor invasion of different types of carcinomas is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this process, epithelial cells undergo a transition to a mobile mesenchymal state, favoring invasion and metastasis. Therefore, this research analyzed the immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin, Twist1, Snail1, α-SMA, vimentin (VM) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in 90 SGTs cases; correlations among the biomarkers, as well as between the biomarkers and clinicopathological parameters were made. We selected 20 cases of pleomorphic adenoma (PA), 20 cases of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), 20 cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), 10 cases of polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC), 10 cases of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) and 10 cases of carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA). E-cadherin, Twist1, and Snail1 were analyzed in tumor parenchyma, observing the percentage of positive cells (PP) using scores ranging from 0 to 4, and the expression intensity (EI), whose scores were ranged from 0 to 3. The evaluation of MMP-9 was performed in tumor parenchyma and stroma, also evaluating PP and IE, both based on scores that ranged from 0 to 3. The labeling for α-SMA and VM was analyzed in stromal cells. Positive cells for α-SMA were counted in 10 fields and the mean was calculated. VM was evaluated qualitatively, using 4 scores according to EI and whether the labeling was diffuse or focal. Obtained data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science, GraphPad Prism, and STATA software. The significance level of 5% was adopted for the statistical tests. Patients were mostly female, with a mean age of 49.8 years; the major salivary glands were the most affected anatomical site, mainly the parotid gland. A lower E-cadherin immunostaining was verified in PAs in comparison to malignant neoplasms of salivary glands (MNSGs). Low immunoexpression of Twist1 and Snail1 was observed in PAs. Regarding the nuclear expression of Twist1, it was found greater expression in malignant neoplasms than in PAs. Furthermore, Twist1 in the nucleus was correlated with cytoplasmic expression of E-cadherin in MNSGs. Regarding clinicopathological parameters, this protein was statistically related to higher chances of death. Low immunoexpression of Snail1 was evidenced among the MNSGs. However, in the analysis of CACs, greater nuclear expression was observed in the solid variant compared to the others. Expression of MMP-9 in parenchyma showed a positive correlation with cytoplasmic Twist1 and Snail1nuclear in MNSGs. MMP-9 also showed a positive correlation when comparing its immunoexpression in the parenchyma and the stroma. VM was presented as a biomarker to be considered in the clinical evaluation of patients since it showed a significant correlation between greater tumor size and a higher frequency of death. Furthermore, the high expression of this protein appeared as an independent predictive factor for worse overall survival (OS) rates. The evaluation of the rest of the clinicopathological factors showed advanced clinical stages as an indicator of independent prognostic value for lower rates of OS. For disease-free survival, these indicators were the location in the minor salivary gland and the presence of distant metastasis. Our results suggest that the EMT may be related to myoepithelial differentiation in PAs and tumor progression in MNSGs. Also, Twist1 and MMP-9 appear to play a greater role in the scenario of EMT in MNSGs; finally, VM might be used as a prognostic value indicator (AU).

Caracterización de pacientes con neoplasias de glándulas salivales mayores tratadas quirúrgicamente en un hospital universitario cubano / Characterization of patients with major salivary gland neoplasms treated surgically in a Cuban university hospital

Introducción: Las neoplasias de las glándulas salivales representan el grupo más heterogéneo y complejo de los procesos tumorales de la cabeza y el cuello. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los pacientes con neoplasias de glándulas salivales mayores que recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico en un hospital universitario cubano. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal en pacientes diagnosticados histológicamente con neoplasias de glándulas salivales mayores. Las variables evaluadas fueron: edad, sexo, tipo de neoplasia, sitio primario, diagnóstico histológico y técnicas quirúrgicas. Resultados: Se estudiaron 55 pacientes con neoplasias, de las cuales 45 (81,82 por ciento) fueron benignas, con mayor frecuencia en los hombres (n = 28; 62,22 por ciento). La edad media de presentación de las neoplasias fue 55,11 ± 16,04 años, y el grupo de edad más afectado fue el de 40-59 años (n = 26; 47,27 por ciento). La parótida fue la glándula más afectada (n = 48), fundamentalmente por adenomas pleomorfos (n = 28; 58,33 por ciento). La parotidectomía subtotal fue la cirugía mayormente realizada (n = 38; 79,17 por ciento). Conclusiones: Las neoplasias parotídeas benignas presentadas en pacientes adultos del sexo masculino fueron las más frecuentes(AU)

Introduction: Salivary gland neoplasms are the most heterogeneous and complex group of head and neck tumoral processes. Objective: Characterize patients with major salivary gland neoplasms undergoing surgical treatment in a Cuban university hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional observational descriptive study was conducted of patients histologically diagnosed with major salivary gland neoplasms. The variables evaluated were age, sex, type of neoplasm, primary site, histological diagnosis and surgical techniques. Results: A total 55 neoplasms were studied, of which 45 (81.82 percent) were benign, with a higher frequency in men (n = 28; 62.22 percent). Mean age at neoplasm presentation was 55.11 ± 16.04 years, and the most affected age group was 40-59 years (n = 26; 47.27 percent). The parotid was the most frequently affected gland (n = 48), mainly by pleomorphic adenomas (n = 28; 58.33 percent). Subtotal parotidectomy was the most common surgical procedure (n = 38; 79.17 percent). Conclusions: Benign parotid gland neoplasms presenting in male adult patients were the most frequent type(AU)

Carcinoma del conducto salival: estudio clínico/patológico e inmunohistoquímico de 5 casos / Salivary duct carcinoma: a clinicopathologic and inmunohistochemical study of 5 cases

El carcinoma del conducto salival es un tumor epitelial maligno agresivo, que involucra principalmente a la glándula parótida, con características histológicas semejantes al carcinoma ductal de glándula mamaria. El propósito de este trabajo fue presentar los resultados clínico-patológicos de cinco casos de carcinoma del conducto salival primario de glándula parótida y evaluar la expresión de Ki67. Histológicamente, el carcinoma del conducto salival presentó nidos epiteliales con patrones papilar, sólido y cribiforme, comedonecrosis tanto en la lesión primaria como en los nodos linfoides metastásicos y, además, invasión perineural. Se demostró con Ki 67 una alta proliferación celular en cuatro (80 %) de los cinco casos estudiados. Se concluyó que: el carcinoma del conducto salival es una lesión maligna de mal pronóstico, raramente informado en la literatura odontológica, con características histológicas semejantes a las del carcinoma ductal de alto grado de la mama; la comedonecrosis es un signo específico de esta enfermedad; puede desarrollarse "de novo" o en un adenoma pleomórfico preexistente; su diagnóstico diferencial histopatológico es fundamental para planificar su tratamiento y determinar su pronóstico, a pesar de su tratamiento quirúrgico y radioterapia postoperatoria es un tumor agresivo con alta proliferación celular, infiltración perineural, recurrencias y metástasis.

Salivary duct carcinoma is an aggressive malignant epithelial tumor, primarily involving the parotid gland, with histologic features similar to ductal carcinoma of the breast. The purpose of this work was to report the clinicopathological results of five cases of primary salivary duct carcinoma of the parotid gland and evaluate the expression of Ki67. Histologically, salivary duct carcinoma presented epithelial nests with papillary, solid, and cribriform patterns, with comedonecrosis in both the primary lesion and the metastatic limph nodes, and perineural invasion. A high cell proliferation was demonstrated with Ki67 in four (80 %) of the five cases studied. We concluded that: salivary duct carcinoma is a malignant lesion with a poor prognosis, rarely reported in the dental literature, with histological characteristics similar to those of high-grade ductal carcinoma of the breast; comedonecrosis is a specific sign of this disease; may develop "de novo" or in a pre-existing pleomorphic adenoma; its differential histopathological diagnosis is essential to plan its treatment and determine its prognosis; despite its surgical treatment and postoperative radiotherapy, it is an aggressive tumor with high cell proliferation, perineural infiltration, recurrences and metastasis.

Association of Socio-Demographic and Clinicopathological Risk Factors with Oral Cancers: A 19-Year Retrospective Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the association of socio-demographic and clinic-pathological risk factors with oral cancer in Kelantan, Malaysia. Material and Methods: A 19-year cross-sectional survey was performed in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Malaysia. Medical record of 301 oral cancer patients was retrieved from the Medical Records office. Results: The majority of the oral cancer cases were male (62.8%), non-smokers (57.5%), non-alcohol consumers (83.4%), non-betel quid chewers (96.7%), and belonged to Malay ethnicity (68.8%). At the time of diagnosis, most of the patients were at stage II (38.9%). Approximately one-third (30.6%) of the total OC patients experienced loco-regional/distant metastasis, whereas no metastasis was detected in around two-thirds of cases (69.4%). A combination of surgery and radiotherapy was the most commonly employed treatment modality (27.2%). At the time of this study, the survival status of most of the patients was alive (69.1%). The most frequently encountered oral cancer in the Kelantanese population was oral squamous cell carcinoma (70.1%), with the tongue being the most frequently involved oral cavity site (35.5%). Conclusion: More than three-fourths of the cases were alive at follow-up, which included the cases that did not undergo any form of treatment.

Non-ulcerated necrotizing sialometaplasia may mimic a salivary gland tumor

Necrotizing sialometaplasia (NS) is a benign, self-limiting inflammatory entity that mainly affects the minor salivary glands located in the hard palate. Classically, NS is characterized as a nodule that evolves to a central ulcer. The most widely recognized triggering factor is an ischemic event. The diagnosis becomes a challenge in non-ulcerated NS cases which is essential to rule out the possibility of salivary gland tumors, especially the malignant ones. Here, we presented a case of a 32-year-old male patient with a 1-month complaint of a painful, slightly elevated erythematous area on the hard palate. Incisional biopsy was performed, and NS was diagnosed based on histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. Clinicians should be aware of and consider NS as a differential diagnosis of minor salivary gland tumors, particularly when it presents as a non-ulcerated clinical aspect.

Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Cheek. Case Report with Review / Adenoma Pleomórfico de Mejilla. Reporte de Caso con Revisión

ABSTRACT: Pleomorphic adenoma (PA), also called benign mixed tumor, is the most common tumor of the salivary glands. About 70 % of these tumors occur in the parotid gland and an uncommon site are the minor salivary glands. The most common sites of PA of the minor salivary glands are the palate followed by lips and cheek. Other rare reported sites include the fauces, floor of the mouth, tongue, tonsil, pharynx, retromolar area and nasal cavity. Here we report a case of pleomorphic adenoma of minor salivary glands of the cheek in a 22-year-old male. The mass was removed by wide local excision with adequate margins, and the patient was followed for 1-year post operatively with no recurrence.

RESUMEN: El adenoma pleomórfico (AP), conocido también como tumor mixto benigno, es el tumor más común de las glándulas salivales. Alrededor del 70 % de estos tumores ocurren en la glándula parótida y con menor frecuencia en las otras glándulas salivales. Los lugares más comunes de AP en las glándulas salivales son el paladar, seguido de labios y mejillas. Otros sitios poco frecuentes reportados, incluyen las fauces, el piso de la boca, la lengua, las tonsilas palatinas, la faringe, el área retromolar y la cavidad nasal. En este estudio se presenta un caso de adenoma pleomórfico de las glándulas salivales menores de la mejilla en un hombre de 22 años. Se extirpó la masa mediante escisión local amplia con márgenes adecuados, con un seguimiento del paciente durante un año después de la operación sin recurrencia.

Overexpression of CDC7 in malignant salivary gland tumors correlates with tumor differentiation / Superexpressão de CDC7 em tumores malignos de glândulas salivares correlaciona-se com a diferenciação dos tumores

Abstract Introduction: Cell division cycle-7 protein is a serine/threonine kinase that has a basic role in cell cycle regulation and is a potential prognostic or therapeutic target in some human cancers. Objectives: This study investigated the expression of cell division cycle-7 protein in benign and malignant salivary gland tumors and also its correlation with clinicopathologic factors. Methods: Immunohistochemical expression of cell division cycle-7 was evaluated in 46 cases, including 15 adenoid cystic carcinoma, 12 mucoepidermoid carcinoma, 14 pleomorphic adenoma, and 5 normal salivary glands. Cell division cycle-7 expression rate and intensity were compared statistically. Results: The protein was expressed in almost all tumors. The intensity and mean of cell division cycle-7 expression were higher in malignant tumors in comparison with pleomorphic adenomas (p = 0.000). The protein expression was correlated with tumor grades (p = 0.000). Conclusions: The present study demonstrated cell division cycle-7 overexpression in malignant salivary gland tumors in comparison with pleomorphic adenomas, and also a correlation with tumor differentiation. Therefore, this protein might be a potential prognostic and therapeutic target for salivary gland tumors.

Resumo Introdução: A cell division cycle-7 é uma serina/treonina quinase que tem um papel básico na regulação do ciclo celular e é um potencial marcador prognóstico ou terapêutico em alguns tipos de câncer humano. Objetivos: Este estudo investigou a expressão de cell division cycle-7 em tumores de glândulas salivares benignos e malignos e também sua correlação com fatores clínico-patológicos. Método: A expressão imuno-histoquímica de cell division cycle-7 foi avaliada em 46 casos, incluindo 15 carcinomas adenoide císticos, 12 carcinomas mucoepidermoides, 14 adenomas pleomórficos e 5 glândulas salivares normais. A taxa de expressão e a intensidade da proteína cell division cycle-7 foram comparadas estatisticamente. Resultados: A proteína foi expressa em quase todos os tumores. A intensidade e a média da expressão de cell division cycle-7 foram maiores em tumores malignos em comparação com adenoma pleomórfico (p = 0,000). A expressão da proteína foi correlacionada com os graus do tumor (p = 0,000). Conclusões: O presente estudo demonstrou a superexpressão de cell division cycle-7 em tumores malignos de glândulas salivares quando comparada com o adenoma pleomórfico, além de uma correlação com a diferenciação de tumores. Portanto, essa proteína pode ser um potencial marcador prognóstico e terapêutico para tumores de glândulas salivares.

Proliferaciones Oncocíticas de Glándulas Salivales: Estudio Estructural e Inmunohistoquímico de 7 Casos / Oncocytic Proliferations of Salivary Glands: Structural and Immunohistochemical Study of 7 Cases

RESUMEN: Los oncocitos son células originadas probablemente por transformación metaplásica del epitelio ductal o acinar de parótida y submandibular. Su proliferación puede originar condiciones patológicas que incluyen hiperplasias oncocíticas adenomatosas multinodulares (HOAM), oncocitomas y carcinomas oncocíticos. Los tumores oncocíticos constituyen el 1 % de todos los tumores salivales y entre el 82 y 90 % se desarrollan en la parótida; el resto se divide entre la glándula submandibular y las glándulas salivales menores. Las hiperplasias oncocíticas multinodulares son extremadamente raras. En el presente trabajo se analizaron 5 casos de oncocitomas de parótida y dos casos de HOAM, uno de parótida y otro de submandibular y se describieron las características estructurales e inmunohistoquímicas de los oncocitos. Cortes seriados de las biopsias incluidas en parafina se colorearon con Hematoxilina - Eosina, Hematoxilina/ácido fosfotúngstico (PTA/H), PAS y se marcaron con AC antimitocondrial, CK 5/6, CK 20 y EMA. Los tumores mostraron un crecimiento nodular encapsulado por tejido conectivo denso. En los cortes histológicos se identificaron oncocitos eosinófilos (oscuros) y granulaciones violáceas con PTA/H. En dos casos de parótida y el caso de HOAM de submandibular presentaron además oncocitos claros PAS positivos. La inmunomarcación fue positiva en todas las células siendo la marcación para mitocondrias periférica en los oncocitos claros. Las células eosinofílicas PTA/H positivas y con fuerte marcación con AC antimitocondrial, CKs y EMA confirman el diagnóstico de patología oncocítica. En tres casos coexisten oncocitos claros y oscuros. Las células claras son oncocitos que acumulan glucógeno en su citoplasma desplazando a las mitocondrias hacia la periferia. En el diagnóstico diferencial de este tumor debemos considerar los tumores salivales con células claras, el carcinoma renal metastásico, el tumor de Whartin, la variante de células claras del carcinoma epitelial/mioepitelial y el carcinoma mucoepidermoide con metaplasia oncocítica.

ABSTRACT: Oncocytes are cells probably originated by metaplastic transformation of the ductal or acinar epithelium of parotid and submandibular. Its proliferation can cause pathological conditions that include multinodular adenomatous oncocytic hiperplasia (HOAM), oncocytomas and oncocytic carcinomas. Oncocytic tumors make up 1 % of all salivary tumors and between 82 and 90 % develop in the parotid; the rest of the tumors are divided between the submandibular gland and the minor salivary glands. Multinodular oncocytic hyperplasias are extremely rare. In the present work we analyzed five cases of parotid oncocytomas and two cases of HOAM, one of parotid and the other of submandibular; structural and immunohistochemical characteristics of the oncocytes were described. Biopsies were included in paraffin, serial cuts were stained with H&E, Hematoxylin / phosphotungstic acid (PTA / H), PAS and were marked with antimitochondrial AC, CK 5/6, CKs 20 and EMA. The tumors showed a nodular growth encapsulated by dense connective tissue. The histological cuts showed dark eosinophilic oncocytes and violaceous granulations with PTA / H. In two cases of parotid and the case of submandibular HOAM, PAS positive clear oncocytes were also present. The immunostaining was positive in all the cells, being the labeling for peripheral mitochondria in the clear oncocytes. Eosinophilic cells PTA / H positive with strongly marked with antimitochondrial AC, CKs and EMA confirm the diagnosis of oncocytic pathology. In three cases, light and dark oncocytes coexist. Clear cells are oncocytes that accumulate glycogen in their cytoplasm, displacing the mitochondria to the periphery. In the differential diagnosis we should consider salivary tumors with clear cells, metastatic renal carcinoma, Whartin's tumor, the clear cell variant of epithelial / myoepithelial carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma with oncocytic metaplasia.

Metástasis hepática de adenoma pleomorfo / Hepatic metastasis of a pleomorphic adenoma

El adenoma pleomorfo es el tumor benigno más frecuente de las glándulas salivales. Puede sufrir transformación maligna y metastatizar a otros órganos distantes y, en otros casos, hacerlo como un tumor benigno. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 82 años con lesión hepática detectada por ecografía en estudio urológico de rutina. La tomografía computarizada reveló una imagen sólida en los segmentos V-VI-VII del hígado. Se efectuó biopsia de la lesión de cuyo examen se informó metástasis de adenoma pleomorfo salival. Se realizó hepatectomía derecha y la anatomía patológica describió un tumor de 10 cm de diámetro, con margen libre, compatible con adenoma pleomorfo salival, 32 años después de la cirugía de su tumor primario. Luego de 8 años, en el seguimiento se hallaron cuatro nódulos hepáticos y una nueva imagen ósea en la vértebra L4 sugerente de recurrencia de la enfermedad. Se decidió administrar radioterapia corporal estereotáctica a la lesión ósea y evaluar la respuesta para decidir el futuro tratamiento de los nódulos hepáticos, debido a su lento crecimiento.

Pleomorphic adenoma is the most benign tumor of the salivary glands. It can undergo a malignant transformation to carcinoma and metastasize to distant organs, sometimes it can metastasize as a benign tumor. We present the case of an 82 years old male with hepatic lesion detected by ultrasound in routine urologic follow-up. CT scan revealed a solid image placed in segments V-VI-VII of the liver. A CT guided fine needle biopsy was made. Pathologic analysis reported a pleomorphic salivary adenoma metastasizing in the liver. Right hepatectomy was performed. Pathology study described a 10 cm diameter tumor with free margin, compatible with pleomorphic salivary adenoma, 32 years after surgery for the primary tumor. After 8 years of follow up, four hepatic nodules and a bone image in L4 vertebra that seemed to be a disease recurrence were found. It was decided to administer stereotactic body radiotherapy to the bone lesion and evaluate the response to decide the future treatment of the hepatic nodules, due to its slow growth.

Análise da relação entre a expressão de marcadores de células tronco tumorais (ALDH-1 e SOX-2) e as características clinico patológicas de neoplasias de glândulas salivares / Analysis of the relationship between the expression of tumor stem cell markers (ALDH-1 and SOX-2) and the clinicopathological characteristics of salivary gland neoplasms

Os mecanismos moleculares e celulares que estão associados a patogênese, baixa resposta ao tratamento, recidiva e óbito em tumores de glândula salivar não são totalmente conhecidos. Nesse sentido, é importante ressaltar que as células-tronco (CT) dentro de um tumor (CTT) estão relacionadas com a tumorigenicidade e progressão em neoplasias humanas. Diante do exposto, o objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a expressão de marcadores relacionados às CT (ALDH-1 e SOX-2) em neoplasias de glândula salivar e verificar se suas expressões apresentam associação com dados clinicopatológicos e desfecho dos pacientes. Foram selecionados 103 casos de neoplasias malignas (25 CME; 15 CCA; 13 CAC; 10 ACP; 13 ACSOE; 8 CEME; 7 CAEXAP; 5 CDS; 4 ACCB; 3 CCC) e 51 casos de neoplasias benignas (25 AP; 9 MIO; 7 TW; 5 ACA; 5 ACB). Os dados obtidos foram analisados no software Statistical Package for Social Science, GraphPad Prism e STATA. O nível de significância de 5% foi adotado para os testes estatísticos (p<0.05). Os pacientes do estudo foram principalmente do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 52 anos; a parótida foi o sítio anatômico mais afetado. A maioria das neoplasias malignas, foi classificada como T1-T2, N0 e M0. A expressão das proteínas foi avaliada através de imuno-histoquímica e confirmadas por meio de Western-blot, verificando-se que os resultados foram semelhantes entre as técnicas e que estavam correlacionados estatisticamente, tanto para SOX-2 (p<0.001) quanto para ALDH-1 (p=0.039). Em relação a expressão da SOX-2, a maioria dos tumores benignos foi negativa (n=39; 76.5%), sendo constatada expressão apenas nos tumores sem diferenciação mioepitelial (ACA e TW) (p<0.0001). Em contraparte a maioria dos tumores malignos estudados foi positiva para SOX-2 (n=54; 52.4%) sendo esse resultado estatisticamente significativo (p=0.002). Também foi evidenciada que essa expressão ocorreu em casos sem diferenciação mioepitelial (p=0.006) principalmente em CME e CCC. Não foram evidenciadas associações estatisticamente significativas entre a expressão de SOX-2 e parâmetros clínicos. A proteína ALDH-1 esteve frequentemente expressa no parênquima de neoplasias malignas (n=88; 85.6%) e benignas (100%). De maneira geral, a expressão da ALDH-1 no parênquima não se associou com parâmetros clínicos das neoplasias malignas, entretanto, os casos de CME com alta expressão no parênquima estavam associados com tumores de estadiamento clínico avançado (p=0.047). Foi constatada expressão da ALDH-1 em células do estroma tumoral, principalmente de neoplasias malignas (n=67; 65.0%), estando associada com metástase em linfonodos (p=0.032), estadiamento clínico avançado (p=0.008), recorrência tumoral (p=0.006) e óbito (p=0.013). A sobrevida global e livre de doença em 5 e 10 anos foi menor em pacientes diagnosticados com CAC, estadiamento clínico avançado, que apresentaram recorrência e com expressão estromal de ALDH-1. Destaca-se que na análise multivariada, o estadiamento clínico avançado e expressão estromal da ALDH-1 representaram fatores prognósticos independentes na sobrevida livre de doença. Com base nos resultados apresentados pode-se concluir que o perfil que caracteriza as CTT apresenta variações nos diferentes tumores de glândula salivar. A expressão diferencial da SOX-2 e ALDH-1 nessas neoplasias sugere que existem subtipos diferentes de CTT que podem ser ativadas por vias moleculares distintas. Conclui-se também que a presença de marcação estromal para ALDH-1 caracteriza células com perfil de CT mesenquimais que podem estar diretamente relacionada com o comportamento biológico e progressão de tumores malignos em glândula salivar (AU).

The molecular and cellular mechanisms that are associated with pathogenesis, poor treatment response, recurrence, and death in salivary gland tumors are not fully known. In this matter, stem cells (SC) within a tumor (TSC) are related to tumorigenicity and progress in human neoplasms. As such, the aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of SC-related markers (ALDH-1 and SOX-2) in salivary gland neoplasms and their possible association with clinicopathological data and patient outcomes. We selected 103 cases of malignant neoplasms (25 mucoepidermoid carcinoma; 15 acinic cell carcinoma; 13 adenoid cystic carcinoma; 10 polymorphous adenocarcinoma; 13 adenocarcinoma NOS; 8 epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma; 7 carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma; 5 salivary duct carcinoma; 4 basal cell adenocarcinoma; 3 clear cell carcinoma) and 51 cases of benign neoplasms (25 pleomorphic adenoma; 9 myoepithelioma; 7 Warthin tumor; 5 canalicular adenoma; 5 basal cell adenoma). Data were analyzed in Statistical Package for Social Science, GraphPad Prism and STATA softwares. A significance level of 5% was adopted for the statistical tests (p<0.05). Most patients were male, with a mean age of 52 years, and the parotid was the most common anatomical site. Most malignant neoplasms were classified as T1-T2, N0 and M0. Protein expression assessed by immunohistochemistry and confirmed by western blot showed similar results that were statistically correlated for both SOX-2 (p<0.001) and ALDH-1 (p=0.039). Regarding the expression of SOX-2, most benign tumors were negative (n=39; 76.5%), and expression was only observed in tumors without myoepithelial differentiation (p<0.0001). In the other hand, most of the malignant tumors were positive for SOX-2 (n=54; 52.4%), being statistically significant (p=0.002). The expression occurred in cases without myoepithelial differentiation (p=0.006) mainly in mucoepidermoid carcinoma and clear cell carcinoma. No association was found between SOX-2 expression and clinical parameters. ALDH-1 was frequently expressed in the parenchyma of malignant (n=88; 85.6%) and benign (100%) neoplasms. Overall, the presence of ALDH-1 in the parenchyma was not associated with clinical data of malignant neoplasms; nevertheless, the cases of mucoepidermoid carcinoma with high expression in the parenchyma were associated with advanced clinical stage (p=0.047). The expression of ALDH-1 in tumor stroma cells occurred mainly in malignant neoplasms (n=67; 65.0%), being associated with lymph node metastasis (p=0.032), advanced clinical stage (p=0.008), recurrence (p=0.006) and death (p=0.013). Overall survival and Diseasefree survival at 5 and 10 years were lower in patients diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma, advanced clinical stage, recurrence and stromal expression of ALDH-1. Multivariate analysis showed advanced clinical stage and stromal expression of ALDH1 were independent prognostic factors for disease-free survival. Based on the results, the profile of TSC presents variations in different salivary gland tumors. The differential expression of SOX-2 and ALDH-1 in these neoplasms suggests that there are different subtypes of TSC that can be activated by distinct molecular pathways. Also, the presence of ALDH-1 stromal expression characterizes cells with mesenchymal CT profile that may be directly related to the biological behavior and progress of malignant tumors in the salivary gland (AU).

Perfil epidemiológico de neoplasias epiteliales de glándulas salivales / Epithelial tumors of salivary glands: review of 286 pathology reports

Background:: Epithelial tumors of the salivary glands, including benign tumors and aggressive malignancies with different prognoses, are uncommon. Aim: To describe the frequency and distribution of salivary gland tumors according to age, gender and anatomical location. Material and Methods: Review of pathological reports of salivary gland tumors of a Pathology laboratory at a clinical hospital from 2006 to 2016. Results: Five hundred ninety salivary gland biopsies were reviewed. Of these, 286 (49%) were primary epithelial tumors of the salivary glands. Two hundred thirty (80%) were benign and 56 (20%) were malignant tumors. Regarding location, 274 (96%) were in the major salivary glands, and 12 (4%) in the minor salivary glands. The most common histological types were pleomorphic adenoma for benign tumors in 172 cases, followed by papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum in 33 cases. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most common malignant tumor in 14 cases. Conclusions: These results are similar to reports from abroad, however more studies are necessary to be able to establish a more representative and updated analysis.

Incidental Discovery of Acinic Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Mucosa with Metachronous Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Upper Lip / Hallazgo Incidental de Carcinoma de Células Acinares de la Mucosa Oral con Carcinoma Adenoide Quístico Metacrónico del Labio Superior

ABSTRACT: Multiple salivary gland tumors represent an unusual event characterized by the development of composite lesions originated from minor or major salivary glands. These neoplasms can be categorized into three perspectives: Histologic type, time of appearance and topographic distribution. We report an unusual case of a 73-year-old black man with an acinic cell carcinoma (ACC) of the oral mucosa discovered incidentally during surgical removal of an adjacent mucocele. Approximately one year after the first consultation, the patient was seen at the local cancer reference center with a third lesion that was diagnosed as an adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) of the upper lip. The patient underwent surgical reconstruction of the treated areas and has been free of the disease for the past year. To our knowledge, the combination of ACC and AdCC in intraoral sites has not been reported in the literature.

RESUMEN: Los tumores de glándulas salivales múltiples representan un evento inusual caracterizado por el desarrollo de lesiones compuestas, originadas en glándulas salivales menores o mayores. Estos neoplasmas se pueden categorizar en tres perspectivas: tipo histológico, tiempo de aparición y distribución topográfica. Reportamos un caso inusual de un hombre negro de 73 años con un carcinoma de célula acínica (ACC) de la mucosa oral descubierta incidentalmente durante la extirpación quirúrgica de un mucocele adyacente. Aproximadamente un año después de la primera consulta, el paciente se presentó en el centro de referencia del cáncer local con una tercera lesión que fue diagnosticada como carcinoma adenoide quístico (AdCC) del labio superior. El paciente se sometió a la reconstrucción quirúrgica de las áreas tratadas y durante el último año no ha presentado recurrencia de la enfermedad. De acuerdo a nuestro conocimiento la combinación de ACC y AdCC en sitios intraorales no se ha informado en la literatura.

Carcinomatosis peritoneal secundaria a carcinoma mucoepidermoide de glándula salival / Peritoneal carcinomatosis secondary to mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the salivary gland

Resumen: Introducción: Los tumores de glándulas salivales son neoplasias poco frecuentes y representan menos del 5% de todos los tumores de cabeza y cuello. El carcinoma mucoepidermoide representa un 10-15% de todas las neoplasias de las glándulas salivales y aproximadamente un 30% de los tumores malignos salivales. El comportamiento biológico y las manifestaciones clínicas de este tipo de tumores son variables y se correlacionan con el estadio y grado histológico, siendo la presencia de metástasis a distancia un hallazgo inhabitual (en especial, en tumores de grado bajo o intermedio). Caso clínico: Paciente de 65 anos de edad con antecedentes de tabaquismo, a quien se diag nostica carcinoma mucoepidermoide de grado intermedio de glándula submandibular izquierda tratado con cirugía más radioterapia adyuvante, y que presenta progresión metastásica hepática y carcinomatosis peritoneal a los 26 meses de seguimiento.

Abstract: Introduction: Tumors of salivary glands are uncommon and comprise of about 5% of all head and neck tumors. Although constituting less than 15% of all salivary gland tumors, mucoepidermoid carcinoma account for approximately 30% of all malignant salivary gland neoplasms. Commonly these tumours are metastatic to local lymph nodes and distant metastases are rare (especially, in low and intermediate grade tumors). Case report: We report a case of 65 years old man who developed peritoneal carcinomatosis secondary to metastatic dissemination of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the major salivary glands, which is an uncommon occurrence with intermediate grade tumors.

BRD4 inhibition suppresses cell growth, migration and invasion of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) inhibition is a new therapeutic strategy for many malignancies. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of BRD4 inhibition by JQ1 on in vitro cell growth, migration and invasion of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC). METHODS: The human normal epithelial cells and SACC cells (ACC-LM and ACC-83) were treated with JQ1 at concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.5 or 1 µM. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to evaluate cell proliferation. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution was evaluated by Flow cytometry. Immunofluorescence staining was used to examine the expression of BRD4 in SACC cells. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay and western blot assay were performed to examine messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels in SACC cells. Wound- healing assay and transwell assay were used to evaluate the activities of migration and invasion of SACC cells. RESULTS: JQ1 exhibits no adverse effects on proliferation, cell cycle and cell apoptosis of the normal human epithelial cells, while suppressed proliferation and cell cycle, and induced apoptosis of SACC cells, down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of BRD4 in SACC cells, meanwhile reduced protein expressions of c-myc and BCL-2, two known target genes of BRD4. Moreover, JQ1 inhibited SACC cell migration and invasion by regulating key epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) characteristics including E-cadherin, Vimentin and Twist. CONCLUSIONS: BRD4 is an important transcription factor in SACC and BRD4 inhibition by JQ1 may be a new strategy for SACC treatment.

Cytokeratin immunoprofile of primary and metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma of salivary glands: a report of two cases

Distant metastases from salivary gland tumors are considered infrequent: the incidence of distant metastases ranges from 24% to 61% according to different histotypes and to the site of the primary mass. The most common site of distant metastases due to salivary gland malignancies is the lung. From the pathology point of view, cytokeratins (CK) are important differentiation markers in salivary gland tumors, which are often used for the diagnostic process. Their employment also may be useful to identify and confirm the diagnosis of their distant metastases. We report the expression of CK in two cases of primary and metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and their CK profiles of the primary and metastatic masses. Both patients-one male and one female-were diagnosed with an ACC cribriform and tubular, respectively, with lung metastases. In case 1, the metastatic mass presented the same histotype and CK profile of the primary tumor. For case 2, the metastatic lung mass was distinct from the primary mass (a solid ACC) and presented a different CK profile. Although salivary gland metastatic disease presents a poor prognosis, both patients reported herein are alive despite the presence of the disease in long-term follow-up. Therefore, the modifications seen in the CK profiles do not appear to be predictive of tumor behavior and outcome. The use of a CK profile seems to be useful to identify the nature of a distant mass and its possible correlations with a primary salivary gland tumor.

Minor intraoral salivary gland tumors: a clinical-pathological study / Neoplasias intraorais de glândula salivar menor: estudo clínico-patológico

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the clinical-pathological profile of patients with minor salivary gland neoplasms. Methods A retrospective study of specific cases diagnosed as benign and malignant tumors of the minor salivary glands was performed. The data were collected from medical records of patients seen at a hospital over a period of 15 years. The sample was made up of 37 cases. For the pathological study, slides containing 5μm thick sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin were used. The data were tabulated using descriptive statistics. Results Malignant neoplasms represented 70.3% of cases. The mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most common neoplasm (45.9%), followed by pleomorphic adenoma (24.4%). Most patients were female (70.3%), aged between 71 and 80 years. The palate (67.6%) and the retromolar region (10.8%) were the most affected sites. Conclusion Mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most common tumor in minor salivary glands. These tumors are more common in females aged over 40 years. The palate was the most common affected site.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o perfil clínico-patológico de pacientes com neoplasias de glândula salivar menor. Métodos Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo de casos específicos diagnosticados como neoplasias benignas ou malignas de glândula salivar menor. Os dados foram coletados dos prontuários dos pacientes atendidos em um hospital no período de 15 anos. A amostra final foi de 37 casos. Para o estudo histopatológico, foram usadas lâminas contendo secções com 5μm de espessura, coradas pela técnica de hematoxilina e eosina. Os dados foram tabulados de forma descritiva. Resultados As neoplasias malignas representaram 70,3% dos casos. O tipo histológico mais prevalente foi o carcinoma mucoepidermoide (45,9%), seguido do adenoma pleomórfico (24,4%). A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo feminino (70,3%), com idade entre 71 e 80 anos. O palato (67,6%) e a região retromolar (10,8%) foram os sítios mais acometidos. Conclusão O carcinoma mucoepidermoide foi o tumor mais comum das glândulas salivares menores. Estes tumores foram mais comuns em mulheres com mais de 40 anos. O palato foi o sítio mais acometido.

Carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma derived from recurrent pleomorphic adenoma shows important difference by array CGH compared to recurrent pleomorphic adenoma without malignant transformation / Carcinoma ex-adenoma pleomórfico derivado de adenoma pleomórfico recorrente mostra diferença importante por array CGH em comparação com adenoma pleomórfico recorrente sem transformação maligna

Abstract Introduction: A key step of cancer development is the progressive accumulation of genomic changes resulting in disruption of several biological mechanisms. Carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) is an aggressive neoplasm that arises from a pleomorphic adenoma. CXPA derived from a recurrent PA (RPA) has been rarely reported, and the genomic changes associated with these tumors have not yet been studied. Objective: We analyzed CXPA from RPAs and RPAs without malignant transformation using array-comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) to identify somatic copy number alterations and affected genes. Methods: DNA samples extracted from FFPE tumors were submitted to array-CGH investigation, and data was analyzed by Nexus Copy Number Discovery Edition v.7. Results: No somatic copy number alterations were found in RPAs without malignant transformation. As for CXPA from RPA, although genomic profiles were unique for each case, we detected some chromosomal regions that appear to be preferentially affected by copy number alterations. The first case of CXPA-RPA (frankly invasive myoepithelial carcinoma) showed copy number alterations affecting 1p36.33p13, 5p and chromosomes 3 and 8. The second case of CXPA-RPA (frankly invasive epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma) showed several alterations at chromosomes 3, 8, and 16, with two amplifications at 8p12p11.21 and 12q14.3q21.2. The third case of CXPA-RPA (minimally invasive epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma) exhibited amplifications at 12q13.3q14.1, 12q14.3, and 12q15. Conclusion: The occurrence of gains at chromosomes 3 and 8 and genomic amplifications at 8p and 12q, mainly those encompassing the HMGA2, MDM2, WIF1, WHSC1L1, LIRG3, CDK4 in CXAP from RPA can be a significant promotional factor in malignant transformation.

Resumo Introdução: Uma etapa fundamental do desenvolvimento do câncer é o acúmulo progressivo de alterações genômicas, resultando na ruptura de vários mecanismos biológicos. Carcinoma ex-adenoma pleomórfico (CXAP) é uma neoplasia agressiva que surge a partir de um adenoma pleomórfico. O CXAP derivado de um AP recorrente (APR) foi raramente relatado e, até o momento, as alterações genômicas associadas a esses tumores não foram estudados. Objetivo: Avaliar as diferenças entre os CXAPs decorrentes de APRs e os APRs sem transformações malignas usando hibridização genômica comparativa em microarrays (array Comparative Genomic Hibridization - aCGH) a fim de identificar alterações no número de cópias somáticas e os genes afetados. Método: Amostras de DNA extraídas de tumores provenientes de tecido emblocado em parafina foram submetidos à investigação com a técnica aCGH, e os dados foram analisados com o Nexus Copy Number Discovery Edition v.7. Resultados: Não observamos alterações no numero de cópias somáticas nos APRs sem transformação maligna. Quanto ao CXAP de APR, embora os perfis genômicos sejam exclusivos para cada caso, detectamos algumas regiões cromossômicas que pareciam ser preferencialmente afetadas por alterações no número de cópias. O primeiro caso de CXAP-APR (carcinoma mioepitelial francamente invasivo) apresentou alterações no numero de cópias afetando 1p36.33p13, 5p e cromossomos 3 e 8. O segundo caso de CXAP-APR (carcinoma epitelialmioepitelial francamente invasivo) apresentou várias alterações nos cromossomos 3, 8 e 16, com duas amplificações em 8p12p11.21 e 12q14.3q21.2. O terceiro caso de CXAP-APR (carcinoma epitelial-mioepitelial minimamente invasivo) apresentou amplificações em 12q13.3q14.1, 12q14.3, e 12q15. Conclusão: A ocorrência de ganhos de cromossomos 3 e 8, e as amplificações genômicas em 8p e 12q, principalmente aquelas que englobam os HMGA2, MDM2, WIF1, WHSC1L1, RG3, CDK4 no CXAP decorrente de APR podem ser fatores promocionais significativos para a transformação maligna.

Giant oral lipoma: a rare entity

Abstract Lipomas are very common benign slow-growing soft tissue neoplasms composed of mature adipose tissue mostly diagnosed in the fifth decade of life. These tumors rarely present in the oral cavity, representing less than approximately 5% of all benign mouth tumors. They are usually less than 2cm in size and etiology remains unclear. We report a young male patient presenting with a giant lipoma in the buccal mucosa. Histopathology revealed a large area of mature fat cells consistent with conventional lipoma and an area of the mucosal lining of the lesion suggestive of morsicatio buccarum. In the present article, we emphasize the clinicopathological features and differential diagnosis of the disease.

Análise da imunoexpressão de OCT4 e CD44 em neoplasias de glândulas salivares menores e maiores / Immunohistochemical analysis of OCT4 and CD44 in minor salivary gland neoplasms and higher

As neoplasias de glândulas salivares exibem uma ampla variedade de comportamento biológico e grande diversidade morfológica, e esta heterogeneidade inerente a este grupo de tumores suscita o interesse em pesquisar estas lesões. As células-tronco são a principal fonte para a geração e manutenção da diversidade celular e homeostase do tecido, distúrbios na regulação destas células podem levar à produção de células-tronco alteradas, denominadas de células-tronco tumorais, que possuem potencial proliferativo e capazes de originar e/ou manter o tumor. Pesquisas acerca das células-tronco tumorais e das proteínas a elas associadas em algumas neoplasias orais têm sido desenvolvidas, no entanto, o papel destas em neoplasias de glândulas salivares não está ainda bem estabelecido. Desta forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar células do parênquima tumoral que expressam marcadores de células-tronco tumorais, através da avaliação da imunoexpressão do OCT4 e CD44, em uma série de casos de neoplasias de glândulas salivares. A amostra foi constituída por 20 adenomas pleomórficos, 20 carcinomas mucoepidermóides e 20 carcinomas adenóides císticos localizados nas glândulas salivares menores e maiores. Todos os casos estudados exibiram expressão positiva para OCT4 e CD44, sendo observado que para ambos marcadores, as neoplasias localizadas nas glândulas salivares maiores exibiram maior imunomarcação quando comparada com as lesões das glândulas salivares menores apresentando diferença estatisticamente significativa (p=<0,001). Na amostra total e no grupo das glândulas salivares menores, as neoplasias malignas exibiram maior imunorreatividade para OCT4 do que o adenoma pleomórfico. No entanto, não foi encontrada diferenças estatisticamente significativas de imunoexpressões entre as lesões e entre suas classificações/gradações histomorfológicas. Analisando a correlação entre as imunoexpressões de OCT4 e CD44 foi observada uma correlação positiva moderada (r=0,444) com significância estatística entre os mesmos. A elevada expressão de OCT4 e CD44 pode indicar que estas proteínas desempenham papel importante na identificação de células-tronco tumorais, permitindo uma previsão do comportamento biológico das neoplasias de glândula salivar, apresentando níveis menores em tumores benignos e maiores nos tumores malignos.

Salivary gland neoplasms exhibit a wide variety of biological behavior and a high morphological diversity raises the interest in researching these lesions. The stem cells are the main source for the generation and maintenance of cell diversity, disorders in the regulation of these cells can lead to the production of altered stem cells, termed cancer stem cells capable of generate the tumor. Researches on cancer stem cells and associated proteins have been developed in some oral cancers; however, their role in salivary gland neoplasms is not well established. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the tumor parenchyma cells exhibiting stem cell characteristics, by evaluating the immunoreactivity of OCT4 and CD44, in a number of cases of salivary gland neoplasms. The sample consisted of 20 pleomorphic adenomas, 20 mucoepidermoid carcinomas and 20 adenoid cystic carcinoma located in minor and major salivary glands. The expression of OCT4 and CD44 was evaluated by the percentage of positive cells (PP) and the intensity of expression (IE), it is realized the sum of the scores, resulting in the total score immunostaining (PIT) ranging 0-7. All studied cases showed positive expression of OCT4 and CD44 and higher values than the control groups. It was observed that for OCT4 luminal cells and non-luminal were immunostained in the case of pleomorphic adenomas and adenoid cystic carcinoma. Already the immunoreactivity of CD44 was particularly evident in the non-luminal cells of these lesions. In mucoepidermoid carcinomas for both markers, there was immunoreactivity in squamous and intermediate cells and absence of staining mucous cells. For both markers, a statistically significant higher immunostaining was verified in neoplasms located in the major salivary glands compared with lesions in the minor salivary (p<0.001). At the total sample and in the group of minor salivary glands, malignant neoplasms exhibited higher immunoreactivity for OCT4 than pleomorphic adenoma. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the lesions and between their classifications histomorphologic. Analyzing the correlation between OCT4 and CD44 immunoexpressions, a statistically significant moderate positive correlation (r = 0.444) was observed. The high expression of OCT4 and CD44 may indicate that these proteins play an important role in identifying cancer stem cells, allowing a prediction of biological behavior of salivary gland neoplasms.