Adenomatous ductal proliferation of the salivary gland

Objective, The objective of this study is to report a series of patients wi th adenomatous ductal proliferation of the salivary gland and to investigat e the nature and histogenesis of this process. Study design. The histologic and immunohistochemical studies of 13 patients with adenomatous ductal proliferation of the salivary gland were performed . Results. Ten cases coexisted with other diseases, such as salivary gland tu mor or chronic parotitis. Most of the lesions were limited to 1 or 2 lobule s and showed prominent ductal proliferation with some acinar cell complexes . The proliferative ducts had a compact growth pattern with little stroma. Dedifferentiation of acinar cells, identified by the loss of their secretor y granules and appearing similar to intercalated duct epithelium, was seen in the early stages of adenomatous ductal proliferation. Conclusion. Acinar cells play a role in the histogenesis of salivary gland tumors because acinar cells clearly participate in the formation of the pro liferative ducts.