Characterization of two types of crystalloids in pleomorphic adenomas of minor salivary glands. A light-microscopic, electron-microscopic, and histochemical study

• Published in: The American journal of pathology Vol. 118; no. 2; pp. 194 - 202
• Main Authors: Campbell, WG, Jr, Priest, RE, Weathers, DR
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bethesda, MD ASIP 01-02-1985; American Society for Investigative Pathology
• Subjects: Adenoma, Pleomorphic - pathology; Adenoma, Pleomorphic - ultrastructure; Adult; Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Collagen; Crystallization; Female; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; Salivary Gland Neoplasms - pathology; Salivary Gland Neoplasms - ultrastructure; Salivary Glands - pathology; Salivary Glands, Minor - pathology; Salivary Glands, Minor - ultrastructure; Tyrosine; Upper respiratory tract, upper alimentary tract, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands: diseases, semeiology; Oral cavity; Crystalloid solution; ENT disease; Electron microscopy; Minor salivary gland; Pleomorphic adenoma; Histochemistry
• ISSN: 0002-9440; 1525-2191

Crystalloids have been previously described in salivary gland tumors. In order to ascertain the incidence of these structures, the authors reviewed a series of 294 minor salivary gland tumors. One hundred thirty pleomorphic adenomas were identified, and 6 of these contained crystalloids. No crystalloids were found in other benign or malignant salivary gland tumors. These six file cases and a recent seventh case containing crystalloids were studied by light and electron microscopy and with histochemistry. Two types of crystalloids were found. One case contained previously described tyrosine-rich crystalloids, and the other six contained crystalloids composed of radially arranged collagen fibers. Both types of crystalloids are further characterized and discussed.