Role of Immunohistochemical Markers in Salivary Gland Neoplasms

Abstract

Background: Salivary gland neoplasms are rare. In recent days its incidence is gradually increasing worldwide. Hence, it is essential to diagnose the type and grade these neoplasms for early management. Though histopathological diagnosis is the gold standard for the investigation of various salivary gland neoplasms. Immunohistochemical evaluation plays a vital role in the diagnosis of such neoplasms. Objective: The present study is done to assess the pattern of expression of various Immunohistochemical markers (IHC) and to evaluate its diagnostic significance over histopathological diagnosis in various salivary gland neoplasms. Materials and Methods: A total number of 57 cases of salivary gland neoplasm were studied for a period of five years between August 2012 and July 2017. All the biopsy and excised specimen sections were initially examined under routine haematoxylin-eosin stain (H&E). Later immunohistochemical markers were performed, a panel of antibodies such as P63 and HER2/ neu were performed on the sections. Result: The pattern of expression and significance of each marker, P63 and HER2/ neu, were studied on various salivary gland neoplasms. Reports were compared with the results of conventional histopathology. It was fund that more specific results were obtained in many cases of neoplasm. Conclusions: We found that P63, which is a nuclear marker is positive in tumours like pleomorphic adenoma, myoepithelioma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma and carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma. HER2/neu shows diffuse and strong membranous staining in salivary duct carcinoma.