Sefa Dereköy

Unilateral aplasia of the submandibular gland.

Abstract. The congenital absence of major salivary glands is an extremely rare disorder. In this case, we report a 32-year-old woman who came to us with right submandibular gland aplasia, which was detected incidentally. The literature on this rare occurrence is reviewed and the significance of the patient is discussed.

Expression and distribution of aquaporin-1 in nasal polyps: does it have any significance in edema formation?

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of Aquaporin 1 (AQP1) and AQP4 in polyp tissue. Methods Nasal polyps were obtained from 34 patients with nasal polyposis during endoscopic sinus surgery. Bullous middle turbinates with normal-appearing mucosa of 10 patients were used as controls. Expression of AQP1 and AQP4 water channels were determined by immunohistochemical methods. Results AQP1 has been found to be expressed in fibroblasts located in polyp tissue, especially in the subepithelial area, periphery of seromucous glands, and endothelial cells of venules. Conclusion We have established a high expression of AQP1 water channels in nasal polyp tissue and have suggested two mechanisms to explain this finding. Increased AQP1 expression may be a cause or a consequence of edema formation. Thus, additional studies are needed to elucidate the true mechanism underlying this relationship.

Plexiform neurofibroma of the submandibular gland

A rare plexiform neurofibroma of the submandibular gland in a patient with neurofibromatosis is presented. The clinical manifestations of the disease are reviewed. The need for early diagnosis of neurofibroma is emphasized because of malignant transformation.