Objective

  The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of p63 protein in mucoepidermoid carcinoma and papillary cystadenoma of the salivary glands, and to evaluate the usefulness of this protein in distinguishing these tumors.

 Study Design

  Immunoexpression of p63 protein was studied and quantified in 9 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded mucous retention cysts, 4 papillary cystadenomas, and 19 low-grade and 9 high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinomas.

 Results

  All cases were positive for p63 immunoexpression however, it was observed that p63 labeling in mucous retention cysts and papillary cystadenomas was limited to the basal layers of the cystic spaces, whereas in low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinomas, positive nuclear staining was also found diffusely in the suprabasal layers. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma presented increased immunoexpression of p63 compared with the other groups.

  Conclusions

 P63 immunohistochemical expression pattern can be helpful in distinguishing low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma from papillary cystadenoma of the salivary glands.

 Source: Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology

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