Salivary gland-like tumors of the sellar region

T. A. Hampton, B. W. Scheithauer, Aamyn M. Rojiani, K. Kovacs, E. Horvath, P. Vogt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

50 Scopus citations

Abstract

Herein we present a group of rare tumors of the sella region that have not been previously recognized. Although clinically and radiographically the tumors resemble non-functioning pituitary adenomas, their histologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features differ and indicate a salivary gland origin. The lesions cover a morphologic spectrum that includes cellular pleomorphic adenoma, monomorphic adenoma, oncocytoma, and low-grade adenocarcinoma of the salivary gland. All tumors except the oncocytoma were immunoreactive for cytokeratin and were negative for pituitary hormones and synaptophysin. Ultrastructural characteristics in the cases examined include hypodense stromal material, basal lamina, and tonofilament bundles. The single oncocytoma was packed with mitochondria and lacked membrane-bound secretory granules. DNA ploidy based on image analysis and MIB-1 labeling indices showed diversity within this group of tumors, with labeling indices ranging from 0.06% to 15%. The presumed origin of these rare neoplasms is from salivary gland rests related to the normal pituitary gland. Despite their varied morphology, such tumors are easily confused with pituitary adenoma. Although rare, tumors of salivary gland origin should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unusual adenohypophyseal tumors.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)424-434
Number of pages11
JournalAmerican Journal of Surgical Pathology
Volume21
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 1997
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Adenocarcinoma
  • Monomorphic adenoma
  • Oncocytoma
  • Pituitary gland Sella turcica
  • Pleomorphic adenoma
  • Salivary gland tumors

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Anatomy
  • Surgery
  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine

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