Histopathological findings of pleomorphic adenomas of the salivary glands

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To describe the histopathological features of pleomorphic adenoma (PA) with special reference tothe epithelial and mesenchymal components. Study design: 189 PA were selected and classified as myxoid orstroma-rich, cellular or cell-rich and classic (balanced amount of epithelial and stromal components). The epithelialcomponent was analyzed according to the presence of plasmacytoid, spindle, clear, squamous, basaloid, cubic,oncocytoid and mucous cells and the morphological pattern (trabecular, ductal, cystic and solid). The stromalcomponent was analyzed according to the presence of myxoid, hyaline, chondroid or calcified tissue. Results:Plasmacytoid cells were the most commonly found cellular type followed by fusiform and cuboidal cells. Trabeculaeand duct-like structures were the most frequent patterns formed by the epithelial cells. Myxoid and chondroidstroma were the most frequently found mesenchymal-like tissue usually forming the so called myxochondroidstroma. Conclusion: The knowledge of the immense variety of cells, architectures and morphological characteristicspresent in PA of the salivary gland is essential for a correct diagnosis (AU)