Fascin expression in pleomorphic adenoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma

Background: Salivary gland tumors constitute an important part of oral and maxillofacial pathology. Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) are the most common benign and malignant salivary gland tumors. Fascin is an actin-bundling protein that increases the motility of normal and transformed epithelial cells. The aims of the study were to determine the expression of fascin in these tumors and to determine its role in their progression. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of PA, and 20 blocks of MEC were included in this study. Diagnostic confirmation was performed through examination of hematoxylin and eosin sections. Both tumors were immunohistochemically analyzed for the presence of fascin using Avidin-Biotin complex method and evaluated via light microscope by 2 independent observers. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square tests with significant level of P < 0.05. Results: In both the tumors, the percentage of stained cells was significantly correlated with intensity of staining (P = 0.01 in PA and P = 0.00 in MEC). In PA, statistical analysis showed a significant direct correlation between percentage of stained cells and recurrence (P = 0.00). There was no significant correlation between intensity and percentage of staining with clinicopathologic factors in MEC. Conclusion: Fascin might be a useful marker for recurrence of PAs and patients with high fascin expression in primary PA should be followed up periodically to detect potential recurrence as soon as possible.