Myoepithelioma of the salivary glands. Fine needle aspiration biopsy findings.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the cytologic findings and pitfalls in the diagnosis of myoepithelioma of the salivary glands.

STUDY

DESIGN

Smears from 7 cases of myoepithelioma of the salivary glands, 3 plasmacytoid, 2 spindle and 2 mixed types, all histologically confirmed, were evaluated with special attention to cytologic features that may be helpful for the diagnosis.

RESULTS

A correct cytologic diagnosis was not made in any of the cases. Three were diagnosed as plasmacytomas or cellular pleomorphic adenomas, 2 as benign spindle cell tumors and 2 as cellular pleomorphic adenomas. Mitoses and marked pleomorphism were absent. Nuclear striations were noted frequently.

CONCLUSION

Diagnosis of myoepithelioma was difficult on fine needle aspiration smears. Nuclear striations (zebra lines) were noted in 5 cases. This finding is not reported in previously published papers.