Abstract
Background: Pediatric salivary gland-type neoplasms (SGTNs) pose a significant diagnostic problem due to histo-morphological heterogeneity. Previous reports have shown that Mucin 4 (MUC4) expression is associated with adult mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC). We hypothesize that MUC4 is also a sensitive marker for distinguishing MEC from other SGTNs in the pediatric population. Objective: To evaluate MUC4 expression in pediatric SGTNs. Methods: A retrospective review of 74 SGTNs diagnosed between 1993–2015 at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Rhode Island Hospital was performed. H&E sections of 31 MECs were compared to 3 adenoid cystic carcinomas (AdCCs), 6 acinic cell carcinomas (AcCCs), 30 pleomorphic adenomas (PAs), 3 mammary analogue secretory carcinomas (MASCs), and one sialoblastoma (SB). Samples underwent immunohistochemical staining for MUC4, with expression score criteria: 0% positivity = 0, 1-10% = +, 11-50% = ++, 51-90% = +++, >90% = ++++. Results: All MECs were MUC4-positive, with 25 (80.65%) having an expression score ≥ +++. AdCCs and PAs demonstrated no to minimal MUC4-positivity. Subsets of AcCCs and MASCs were unexpectedly MUC4-positive. As a novel marker for pediatric MEC, MUC4’s sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 79.41%, positive predictive value = 75.86%, and negative predictive value = 100%. Conclusion: MUC4 is a sensitive marker for pediatric MEC
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Pediatrics Research Reviews & Reports
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
