Oral Oncology
Volume 38, Issue 7 , Pages 641-645, October 2002

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma: a review and comparison of immunohistochemical markers

  • Mark R. Darling

      Affiliations

    • Division of Oral Pathology, School of Oral Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +27-21-937-3160; fax: +27-21-931-2287
    • ,
  • Johann W. Schneider

      Affiliations

    • Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
    • ,
  • Vincent M. Phillips

      Affiliations

    • Division of Oral Pathology, School of Oral Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa

Received 18 December 2001; accepted 22 December 2001.

Abstract 

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.

Keywords:  Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma, Adenoid cystic carcinoma, Histopathological distinction, Immunohistochemical markers

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PII: S1368-8375(02)00003-9

Oral Oncology
Volume 38, Issue 7 , Pages 641-645, October 2002

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