Association of mast cells with Warthin's tumor in fine needle aspirates ofthe salivary gland

OBJECTIVE: To determine the significance of the presence of mast cells in W arthin's tumor by evaluating the occurrence of these cells in cellular and immunohistochemical preparations. STUDY DESIGN: Specimens derived from five cases of FNAC were examined. A to tal of four slides fi om five cases were prepared from each: two air-dried smears were stained with May-Grunwald-Giemsa (MGG) stain and two with Hanse l's stain. The other two were alcohol fixed and stained using the Papanicol aou method. The smears were evaluated for the presence of mast cells, espec ially associated with oxyphilic cells. In order to investigate the location of mast cells, we also counted those using cells by means of immunohistoch emistry using anti-mast cell monoclonal antibody AA1. RESULTS: The Hansel-stained cellular sample from Warthin's tumor contained numerous mast cells, associated mainly with large, oxyphilic cell sheets. T he number of AA1-positive cells (mast cells) stained with immunohistochemis try was greater in epithelial component than in lymphoid stroma. CONCLUSION: Mast cells in a salivary gland aspirate might be indicative of Warthin's tumor; therefore, MGG-stained slides offer the advantage of ease of preparation, particularly when the typical cytologic features are not pr esent.