Dendritic Interstitial and Myofibroblastic Cells at the Border of Salivary Gland Tumors

Abstract

Abstract Objective.—CD34-positive dendritic interstitial cells may be associated with the regulation of tumor growth. This association has been studied in various human neoplasms, especially skin tumors. In this study, we evaluated the distribution of dendritic interstitial cells and myofibroblastic cells at the tumor periphery of various benign and malignant salivary gland neoplasms. Methods.—Forty-nine cases of salivary gland tumors were selected: 16 pleomorphic adenomas, 12 Warthin tumors, 8 polymorphous low-grade tumors, 5 adenoid cystic carcinomas, 6 acinic cell carcinomas, and 2 mucoepidermoid carcinomas. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed by using antibodies for CD34 (dendritic cells) and α-smooth muscle actin (myofibroblast) on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded archival tissue. Staining intensity was graded as marked (3+), moderate (2+), weak (1+), and absent (0). Results.—Staining intensity for CD34 was 3+ in 24 (86%) of 28 benign tumors (pleomorphic adenomas and Warthin tumors) and 6 (29...