Published in:
01-09-2015 | Review Paper
Functional Histology of Salivary Gland Pleomorphic Adenoma: An Appraisal
Authors:
Asterios Triantafyllou, Lester D. R. Thompson, Kenneth O. Devaney, Diana Bell, Jennifer L. Hunt, Alessandra Rinaldo, Vincent Vander Poorten, Alfio Ferlito
Published in:
Head and Neck Pathology
|
Issue 3/2015
Login to get access
Abstract
The complex microstructure of salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma is examined in relation to function. Events related to secretion of macromolecules and absorption, responses to the altered microenvironment and controversies concerning epithelial–mesenchymal transition versus modified myoepithelial differentiation are explored. Their effects on tumor cell phenotypes and arrangements are emphasized. Heterotopic differentiation and attempts at organogenesis are also considered. The approach allows interpreting microstructure independently of histogenetic perceptions, envisaging the tumor cells as a continuum, endorsing luminal structures as the principal components, and defining pleomorphic adenoma as a benign epithelial tumour characterized by variable epithelial–mesenchymal transition, secretion/differentiation and metaplasia.