Primary cell culture and characterization of a pleomorphic adenoma. A case report

This case report aimed to characterize primary pleomorphic adenoma cells obtained from a parotid gland tumor through tissue biopsy, primary cell culture, and immunohistochemical analysis.

A tissue biopsy sample from a 58-year-old patient with pleomorphic adenoma underwent histopathological examination and primary cell culture. The primary cells were characterized through immunohistochemical staining using antibodies against S-100, SMA, Vimentin, and cytokeratin AE1/AE3. Additionally, paraffin-embedded tissue sections were stained using cytokeratin AE1/AE3, Vimentin, Calponin, SMA, S100, and p63.

Primary cell culture revealed weak S-100 staining and positive SMA in myoepithelial cells, while Vimentin and AE1/AE3 were negative in all the cell population. In the paraffin-embedded tissue, cytokeratin exhibited strong cytoplasmic and membranous positivity in luminal cells. Vimentin showed cytoplasmic staining in myoepithelial cells. S-100 displayed weak nuclear and strong cytoplasmic immunoreactivity in myoepithelial cells. SMA presented weak membranous positivity in a few myoepithelial cells, and finally, p63 showed nuclear staining in abluminal cells. Calponin showed negative staining in neoplastic cells and stroma.

The results showed that primary component of pleomorphic adenoma comprises myoepithelial cells. The identification of cell cultured in vitro is pivotal in comprehending the cellular components of these neoplasms. This comprehensive characterization of primary pleomorphic adenoma cells provides insights into their morphology, immunophenotype, and histological features.