Abstract

The evaluate the diagnostic findings of salivary gland tumors, we reexamined aspiration cytology smears of 7 cases of pleomorphic adenoma, 3 cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma, and 3 cases of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, performed during April 1986 to March 1990, which were comfurmed by surgical excision and histologic diagnosis. The results obtained are summarized as follows : 1. All cases of pleomorphic adenoma showed branching cellular clusters of epithelial and myoepithelial cells. Acellular elements including myxomatous and chondroid components were observed. There were no cellular pleomorphism and nucleoli. Keratinizing squamous epithelial cells and keratin pearls were noted. 2. The smears of adenoid cystic carcinoma showed cell balls or cell cords containing a central hyaline core. Nuclear atypism and the nucleoli were frequently observed. There were no keratinizing squamous epithelial cells. 3. The smears of mucoepidermoid carcinoma showed mainly sheets or clusters of intermediate cells and some mucin-producing cells. Some nuclear pleomorphism was observed. Mucinous material and many inflammatory cells were present in the background.

• Keywords: Salivary gland tumor;Fine needle aspiration;Pleomorphic adenoma;Adenoid cystic carcinoma;Mucoepidermoid carcinoma