Heterogeneity in PD-L1 expression in MAML2-rearranged mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is a malignant tumor with diverse morphologies, some of which have poor prognostic indicators and others that challenge the grading system. This study investigated the expression of PD-L1 in different grades and phenotypes of MEC. METHODS: The present study was carried out on twenty-four archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks of salivary MEC. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to detect MAML2 rearrangement in MEC cases to be included. The studied cases were then subcategorized based on their grading and phenotype and immunohistochemically stained for PD-L1. RESULTS: PD-L1 expression in MEC varied, with some variants showing moderate to strong immunoexpression, while others did not express it at all. In the Warthin-like MEC, some tumors show high expression of PD-L1, while in the same pattern, a few cases showed low or no expression. Intraosseous MEC exhibited moderate PD-L1 expression. Sclerosing MEC featured lower PD-L1 expression, from weak to moderate. Oncocytic MEC displayed relatively low PD-L1 expression levels (weak to moderate). CONCLUSION: The histomorphologic features of MEC may predict clinicopathologic behavior, and subtyping MEC may pose a significant therapeutic value, particularly for intraosseous MECs and clear-cell MECs. PD-L1 expression is a good predictor of survival outcomes in MECs.

Immunohistochemical clue for the histological overlap of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma and polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma.

It remains difficult to distinguish adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) from polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA). Although these neoplasms exhibit nearly similar histologic patterns, their biologic behavior is significantly different. This study was carried out in an attempt to overcome the histological overlap between these tumors using immunohistochemical method for c-kit and galectin-3 proteins on twenty cases of salivary gland tumors including twelve ACC and eight PLGA. Results revealed positive cytoplasmic reactivity for c-kit in 100% of ACC cases and only in 25% of PLGA. On the other hand, galectin-3 expression was observed in 100% of both ACC and PLGA cases. Moreover, solid variant of ACC showed overexpression of both proteins than cribriform and tubular subtypes. Significant positive correlation between the two studied proteins in ACC and PLGA was also observed (p < 0.05). Upon these results, over expression of c-kit and galectin-3 in ACC cases supports the concept of solid variant as a high-grade tumor. Moreover, c-kit may be used as a helpful marker to distinguish ACC from PLGA in cases where the diagnosis can be challenging.

An unusual erupted complex composite odontoma: a rare case.

Odontomas are malformations of the dental tissues and may interfere with the eruption of the associated tooth. Complex composite odontoma (CO) was described as a distinct entity for the first time by Broca in 1866. This lesion takes place due to the developmental disturbances where the dental components are laid down in a disorganized manner, due to failure of normal morphodifferentiation. Very few cases of erupted complex composite odontomas have been reported in the literature. The case reported here is of an odontoma found in the left mandibular body, associated with an impacted second molar of a 17-year-old Saudi male. Under local anesthesia the odontoma was surgically removed. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of CO. The impacted second molar which was left in the mandibular body erupted clinically after 6 months. Erupted CO is rarely seen in the mandibular left body. The early diagnosis, followed by a proper treatment at the right time, will result in a favorable prognosis.