Defining the role of myoepithelium in salivary gland neoplasia

Abstract

Neoplastic myoepithelium is considered to be the key cellular participant in morphogenetic processes responsible for the variable histologic appearances of many salivary gland tumors. Nevertheless, controversy still exists concerning its participation in some types of salivary gland neoplasms. This has been largely due to the difficulty in fully characterizing the wide spectrum of morphologic and immunophenotypic expressions of neoplastic myoepithelium compared with the normal counterpart. However, in recent years, our understanding regarding the phenotypic, immunophenotypic, ultrastructural, and biochemical properties of myoepithelium has advanced. Here we discuss the role of neoplastic myoepithelium in the scope of salivary gland neoplasia and present this information from a practical diagnostic standpoint.