Expression of N-Cadherin in Salivary Gland Tumors

OBJECTIVE: To detect immunohistochemically the N-cadherin expression in different types of benign and malignant salivary gland tumors in an attempt to note any possible correlation to their development, stage and invasive properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: N-cadherin expression was examined in tissue specimens from 49 salivary gland tumors including: pleomorphic adenomas (4), Warthin's tumors (10), and myoepitheliomas (4) (benign tumors), as well as adenoid cystic carcinomas (14), mucoepidermoid carcinomas (4), polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinomas (6), and adenocarcinomas not otherwise specified (5) (malignant tumors). Twelve specimens of normal salivary glands were used as control. The perineural invasion and stage of malignant salivary gland tumors were evaluated. Immunohistochemical procedure was performed automatically using the Bond Polymer Refine Detection Kit. RESULTS: N-cadherin expression was not found in normal salivary glands. In benign salivary gland tumors, N-cadherin along membranes of neoplastic cells as well as in centrocytes of lymphoid germinal centers was seen in 1 and 4 cases of Warthin's tumors, respectively. Varied degree of N-cadherin expression was found in 13 (45%) cases of malignant salivary gland tumors. N-cadherin expression was significantly correlated with perineural invasion (χ(2) = 11.7, p < 0.0001), but not with stage of malignant salivary gland tumors. CONCLUSION: N-cadherin expression was observed in malignant salivary gland tumors and could be an indicator of potentially aggressive behavior. N-cadherin expression by tumor cells could be attributed to perineural invasion.