Myoepithelioma of the salivary glands. Fine needle aspiration biopsy findings
Kumar, P.V.; Sobhani, S.Ali.; Monabati, A.; Hashemi, S.Baseer.; Eghtadari, F.; Hamidi, S.Afshin.
Acta Cytologica 48(3): 302-308
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5547 PMID: 15192943 Document Number: 569575
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cytologic findings and pitfalls in the diagnosis of myoepithelioma of the salivary glands. STUDY DESIGN: Smears from 7 cases of myoepithelioma of the salivary glands, 3 plasmacytoid, 2 spindle and 2 mixed types, all histologically confirmed, were evaluated with special attention to cytologic features that may be helpful for the diagnosis. RESULTS: A correct cytologic diagnosis was not made in any of the cases. Three were diagnosed as plasmacytomas or cellular pleomorphic adenomas, 2 as benign spindle cell tumors and 2 as cellular pleomorphic adenomas. Mitoses and marked pleomorphism were absent. Nuclear striations were noted frequently. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of myoepithelioma was difficult on fine needle aspiration smears. Nuclear striations (zebra lines) were noted in 5 cases. This finding is not reported in previously published papers.