Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma: a review and comparison of immunohistochemical markers.
Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) have several overlapping histological patterns, including cribriform, tubular and solid patterns. The overlapping clinicopathological features of PLGA and ACC may result in a diagnostic pitfall. ACC has a much worse prognosis than PLGA, making differentiation important for therapeutic and prognostic purposes. Histopathological features remain the most reliable criteria to distinguish between these two tumours. Although PLGA and ACC have many features in common, PLGA is uncommon in the major salivary glands. Histopathological distinction is therefore mainly a problem in tumours of minor salivary gland origin where small biopsies often contribute to diagnostic difficulties. This paper reviews studies which have utilised several immunohistochemical markers in attempts to distinguish between PLGA and ACC, and also studies which have focussed on the two tumours individually. The potential discriminating value of immunohistochemistry between cases of PLGA and ACC still remains controversial.
Darling
Mark R
MR
Division of Oral Pathology, School of Oral Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa. mrda@sun.ac.za
Schneider
Johann W
JW
Phillips
Vincent M
VM
D000199:Actins / Q000032:analysis; D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen / Q000032:analysis; D003528:Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007633:Keratins / Q000032:analysis; D018396:Mucin-1 / Q000032:analysis; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen / Q000032:analysis; D009418:S100 Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D012468:Salivary Gland Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology
D000199:Actins; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen; D018396:Mucin-1; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen; D009418:S100 Proteins; D007633:Keratins