Histopathological findings of pleomorphic adenomas of the salivary glands.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the histopathological features of pleomorphic adenoma (PA) with special reference to the epithelial and mesenchymal components.


METHODS
189 PA were selected and classified as myxoid or stroma-rich, cellular or cell-rich and classic (balanced amount of epithelial and stromal components). The epithelial component was analyzed according to the presence of plasmacytoid, spindle, clear, squamous, basaloid, cubic, oncocytoid and mucous cells and the morphological pattern (trabecular, ductal, cystic and solid). The stromal component was analyzed according to the presence of myxoid, hyaline, chondroid or calcified tissue.


RESULTS
Plasmacytoid cells were the most commonly found cellular type followed by fusiform and cuboidal cells. Trabeculae and duct-like structures were the most frequent patterns formed by the epithelial cells. Myxoid and chondroid stroma were the most frequently found mesenchymal-like tissue usually forming the so called myxochondroid stroma.


CONCLUSIONS
The knowledge of the immense variety of cells, architectures and morphological characteristics present in PA of the salivary gland is essential for a correct diagnosis.
Ito
Fabio Augusto
FA
Semiology and Oral Pathology, Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil.
Jorge
Jacks
J
Vargas
Pablo Agustín
PA
Lopes
Márcio Ajudarte
MA
D008949:Adenoma, Pleomorphic / Q000473:pathology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012468:Salivary Gland Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D055815:Young Adult