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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Acinar cells play a role in the histogenesis of salivary gland tumors because acinar cells clearly participate in the formation of the proliferative ducts.
Yu
G Y
GY
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China. kqyxy@ihw.com.cn
Donath
K
K
D000235:Adenolymphoma / Q000473:pathology; D000236:Adenoma / Q000473:pathology; D008949:Adenoma, Pleomorphic / Q000473:pathology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018267:Carcinoma, Acinar Cell / Q000473:pathology; D003528:Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / Q000473:pathology; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002455:Cell Division; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary; D008875:Middle Aged; D010307:Parotid Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary; D010309:Parotitis / Q000473:pathology; D018987:Salivary Ducts / Q000473:pathology*; D022142:Secretory Vesicles / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013365:Submandibular Gland Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology