DETERMINATION OF DNA CONTENT OF SALIVARY- GLAND TUMORS

Background: DNA content determination is a useful tool in the characte rization of different malignant tumors. Aim: To measure DNA content in cells of salivary gland tumors as adjunct to histological diagnosis, correlating morphologic and biological features of these tumors. Mater ial and methods: From the archives of the Pathology service of a gener al hospital, 21 salivary gland tumors, 15 pleomorphic adenomas, 3 muco epidermoid carcinomas and 3 cystic adenoid carcinomas were selected. D NA content was determined in the histological samples using a flow cyt ometric DNA analysis. Results: All pleomorphic adenomas had a normal o r diploid DNA content. Fifty percent of malignant tumors had an aneupl oid DNA content (1 mucoepidermoid carcinoma and 2 cystic adenoid carci nomas). Conclusions: DNA determination may help in the histological di agnosis of salivary gland tumors. The presence of aneuploidy suggests malignity.