Clinicopathological analysis of myoepithelial carcinoma of minor salivary glands

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features of myoepithelial carcinoma of minor salivary glands.Methods: Nine samples of myoepithelial carcinomas of minor salivary glands were stained by HE staining and immunohistochemical method,then were analyzed retrospectively.Results: Light microscope showed that the tumors exhibited a solid architecture with cells arranged in nodules,nests,trabeculae,or cords.The epithelioid cell type was the most frequently encountered,followed by clear cells.The tumor-associated hyalinized matrix was more prevalent than myxoid.Immunohistochemical analysis showed that CK AE1/AE3,S100,vimentin,p63,and maspin were expressed in all cases.Positive SMA was seen in 4 cases,and 5 patients with follow-up information showed no evidence of disease.Conclusions:Myoepithelial carcinoma of minor salivary glands is generally a low-grade malignant tumor with little propensity for regional or distant metastasis.Clinicopathological and immunohistochemical analysis is necessary for accurate diagnosis.