β-Catenin expression in benign and malignant salivary gland tumors.

Objective: To assess the expression of β-catenin in benign and malignant salivary gland tumors and to investigate the possible role of β-catenin in the behavior of salivary gland tumors.

Methods: Paraffin embedded tissues from 45 salivary gland tumors were studied immunohistochemically for expression of β-catenin.

Results: Reduced/aberrant β-catenin expression was seen in benign and malignant salivary gland tumors. Cytoplasmic localization and reduced membranous expression were comparatively observed more in malignant salivary gland tumors. Additionally, in pleomorphic adenomas (PAs), β-catenin exhibited intense staining in cells arranged in the form of ducts/tubules, whereas cells in clusters and sheets showed weaker immunoreactivity.

Conclusions: Reduced and cytoplasmic localization of β-catenin could indicate lack of differentiation, invasive potential, and aggressive behavior in malignant salivary gland tumors. Furthermore, change in expression based on the arrangement of tumor cells may suggest that β-catenin may have a role in morphological variations seen in PAs.