Epithelial and stromal patterns of pleomorphic adenoma of minor salivary glands: A histopathological and histochemical study.

BACKGROUND: Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) accounts for 45-74% of all the salivary gland neoplasms, of which 40-70% are present in minor salivary glands. Studies have depicted variations in histological typing and classification of these tumors. Its pleomorphism is attributed to the cytological differentiations of the epithelial components and the diverse stromal components. Biochemical investigations of saliva have revealed "mucins" to be its main component. Mucins reflect in their composition, the functional state of the mucosa, both in health and disease. Many reviews on histochemical classification and identification have been put forward to explain the intricacies of mucins; however, no attempts have been made to classify salivary gland tumors based on their mucin profiles and assess its prognostic significance. Thus, this study was executed to analyze the clinical, histopathological and histochemical behavior of PA of minor salivary glands and decipher a correlation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six diagnosed cases of PA of minor salivary glands and five controls of normal minor salivary glands of the hard palate were included in the study. Blocks were retrieved, sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) stain as well as combined Alcian blue (AB)-periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stains.

RESULTS: The stained slides revealed an array of epithelial and stromal patterns and varying heterogeneity of mucin expression of normal and neoplastic minor salivary glands.

CONCLUSION: The study elucidated the role of mucins in tumorigenesis and its prognostic implications.