Steroid hormone receptors in parotid gland cystadenolymphoma (Warthin's tumour)

The aetiopathogenesis of cystadenolymphoma is mostly unknown. Cystadenolymp homas have a significantly higher incidence in the male than the female pop ulation. This might be as a result of endocrine dependency in this kind of tumour. The purpose of the present study Was to determine the sex hormone r eceptor status in cystadenolymphoma. Tissue samples of cystadenolymphoma, p leomorphic adenoma and normal samples of the parotid gland were examined im munohistochemically for oestrogen and progesterone receptors. Progesterone- positive cells could be found in the salivary duct system of normal glands and in the epithelial components of cystadenolymphomas. There was no eviden ce for the presence of oestrogen receptor in any sample studied. The eviden ce of progesterone receptors in cystadenolymphoma may implicate a potential role of endocrine factors in the development Of this tumour.