Pitfalls in Salivary Gland Cytology

Salivary gland lesions possess diagnostic challenges on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) material. They are relatively uncommon, yet present with a wide spectrum of cytomorphology. Herein, we review common salivary gland neoplasms, their cytomorphologic features, their diagnostic pitfalls, and ancillary studies helpful in achieving an accurate diagnosis.

There are many cytomorphologic overlaps between benign and malignant salivary gland entities. Moreover, metaplasia, cystic changes, and degenerative changes are common findings adding to diagnostic dilemmas. These complicating factors contribute to a minute risk of malignancy in salivary gland lesions that are interpreted as benign on FNA. In rare cases, even malignant salivary gland neoplasms are misinterpreted as benign on aspirated material due to the many cytomorphologic overlaps. For example, benign and malignant neoplasms containing stroma such as myoepithelioma and adenoid cystic carcinoma may be misinterpreted as pleomorphic adenoma. Moreover, diagnosis of salivary gland neoplasms with basal cell features can be confusing on FNA materials; for example, basal cell adenoma can be misinterpreted as adenoid cystic carcinoma. Mucoepidermoid carcinomas have many different appearances on aspirated material due to variable amounts of mucin, degree of nuclear atypia, cellular content, and squamous metaplasia. Acinic cell carcinoma exhibits large cells with abundant cytoplasm on FNA, which can be mistaken for oncocytic cells in oncocytoma or Warthin tumor. Salivary duct carcinoma shows distinct features of malignancy and thus can be mistaken for secondary tumors involving the salivary glands or other malignant salivary gland tumors. The presence of tumor-associated lymphocytes is another underlying cause of misdiagnosis, especially when considering the differential diagnosis of an intraparotid lymph node. Ancillary studies such as immunohistochemistry and molecular studies are gaining more attention to be utilized on FNA cases. PLAG1 immunostaining, CD117, DOG1, mammaglobin, and androgen receptor (AR) are examples of commonly used immunostains in diagnosis of salivary gland lesions. MYB gene fusion, rearrangements of the MAML2 gene, and ERBB2/HER2 are examples of molecular alterations useful in diagnosis of salivary gland neoplasms. In conclusion, the aim of salivary gland cytology is to differentiate benign entities from the malignant ones and to prevent unnecessary aggressive treatments.

The diagnostic pitfalls are enormous in salivary gland cytology. Familiarity with cytomorphology of different entities and their cytomorphologic overlaps, and application of ancillary studies improves the diagnostic yield, patient management and prevents unnecessary aggressive procedures.