Adenomatous ductal proliferation of the salivary gland.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to report a series of patients with adenomatous ductal proliferation of the salivary gland and to investigate the nature and histogenesis of this process.

STUDY

DESIGN

The histologic and immunohistochemical studies of 13 patients with adenomatous ductal proliferation of the salivary gland were performed.

RESULTS

Ten cases coexisted with other diseases, such as salivary gland tumor or chronic parotitis. Most of the lesions were limited to 1 or 2 lobules and showed prominent ductal proliferation with some acinar cell complexes. The proliferative ducts had a compact growth pattern with little stroma. Dedifferentiation of acinar cells, identified by the loss of their secretory granules and appearing similar to intercalated duct epithelium, was seen in the early stages of adenomatous ductal proliferation.

CONCLUSION

Acinar cells play a role in the histogenesis of salivary gland tumors because acinar cells clearly participate in the formation of the proliferative ducts.