Adna Conceição Barros

Immunohistochemical assessment of CD1a-positive Langerhans cells and their relationship with E-cadherin in minor salivary gland tumors.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of CD1a-positive Langerhans cells and their relationship with E-cadherin in minor salivary gland tumors. METHODS Twenty-seven minor salivary gland tumors were investigated using immunohistochemistry for CD1a and E-cadherin. RESULTS A significant difference regarding the mean density of CD1a-positive Langerhans cells was observed between pleomorphic adenomas and malignant tumors studied (P = 0.001). No CD1a-positive cells were detected in most cases (n = 5) of cystic adenoid carcinomas. CD1a-positive cells were detected in one mucoepidermoid carcinoma case, and six low-grade polymorphous adenocarcinomas cases. Comparison of the mean density of CD1a-positive cells between the three malignant tumors showed no significant difference (P = 0.127). No significant difference was observed in the presence of E-cadherin between tumors (P = 0.73), but it was detected in 24 cases. CONCLUSIONS The lack of CD1a-positive in malignant salivary gland tumors facilitates the neoplastic development and suggests that these cells might be useful as auxiliary diagnostic and prognostic tool in minor salivary gland tumors. Furthermore, it is suggested that E-cadherin mediates cell adhesion in these tumors although we did not demonstrate significance.

Density of mast cells and microvessels in minor salivary gland tumors

The aim of this study was to investigate the density of mast cells and microvessels in minor salivary gland tumors. Forty-one cases of minor salivary gland tumors (pleomorphic adenoma, n = 10; adenoid cystic carcinoma, n = 11; mucoepidermoid carcinoma, n = 10; and polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma) were investigated using immunohistochemistry for mast cell tryptase and von-Willebrand factor. Density of mast cells was higher in mucoepidermoid carcinoma; however, no differences in the number of these cells were observed between the different types of tumors (p > 0.05). The number of mast cells was higher in periparenchymal areas in all tumors, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). Mucoepidermoid carcinoma showed the largest number of periparenchymal mast cells, whereas pleomorphic adenomas showed the smallest number of intraparenchymal mast cells (p > 0.05). The highest microvessel density was observed in mucoepidermoid carcinomas, being this difference statistically significant when mucoepidermoid carcinoma was compared to pleomorphic adenoma (p = 0.0034) and polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (p = 0.004). Microvessel density was significantly higher in adenoid cystic carcinoma when compared to pleomorphic adenoma (p = 0.0406) and polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (p = 0.0123). Comparison of mast cells and microvessel densities showed no significant difference between tumors. A quantitative difference in mast cells and microvessels was observed, particularly in mucoepidermoid carcinoma, a finding supporting the aggressive behavior of malignant salivary gland tumors without myoepithelial differentiation. Further studies are needed to determine the role of mast cells in angiogenesis, as well as in the development and biological behavior of these tumors.

Cystadenoma: a rare tumor originated in minor salivary gland

Cystadenoma of salivary glands is an uncommon benign neoplasm that presents intraluminal papillary projections. The authors describe one case of cystadenoma located in the buccal mucosa and highlight its histomorphological features and differential diagnosis.

Russell body apical periodontitis: an unusual case report.

Russell bodies (RBs) changes in chronic apical lesions have rarely been reported in the literature. We describe a case of a periapical lesion abundantly and extensively composed of RB. Microscopic examination showed accumulation of plasma cells containing globular, spherical, polygonal, and eosinophilic structures against fibrous connective tissue. Initial diagnostic considerations based on a smaller magnification included hypersecretory plasmocytoma, although there was no evidence of infiltrative growth, mitotic activity, nuclear atypia, or cellular pleomorphism. Then, a panel of immunohistochemical markers was applied and the cells showed positivity with both kappa and lambda chains demonstrating their polyclonal origin. The extensive accumulation of RBs involving the periapical region represents an unreported and significant histologic change, as it was mimicking a malignant neoplasm.

Sialadenoma papilliferum of the tongue mimicking a malignant tumor

Doutora em Estomatologia (Professora Associada da Universidade Federal da Bahia).Universidade Federal da Bahia. Laboratorio de Patologia Cirurgica - Faculdade de Odontologia.Endereco para correspondencia: Jean Nunes dos Santos. Faculdade de Odontologia - UFBA. Av. Araujo Pinho, no 62. Canela. Salvador - BA. Brasil. CEP: 40110-150.Tel: (71) 3283-9019. Fax: (71) 3283-8962. E-mail: jeanunes@ufba.brEste artigo foi submetido no SGP (Sistema de Gestao de Publicacoes) do BJORL em 3 de maio de 2012. cod. 9186.Artigo aceito em 4 de agosto de 2012.