Seromucinous-Gland Neoplasms
Seromucinous-gland neoplasms are uncommon neoplasms that arise from the bronchial glands. They include true mucous-gland adenomas as well as tumors similar to those found in the salivary glands.
Part 1 Mucous-Gland Adenoma
Bruno Murer
Mucous-gland adenomas are extremely rare benign soft polypoid endobronchial tumors of the tracheobronchial seromucinous glands. Patients generally present with symptoms of airway obstruction, and radiographic studies demonstrate a coin lesion. Low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma may closely mimic mucous-gland adenoma; however, unlike low-grade mucoepidermoid tumors, mucous-gland adenomas do not contain an intermediatecell or squamous-cell component.
Histologic Features
Mucous-filled cystic glands; nondilated microacini, glands, tubules, and papillae also may be seen.
Cystic glands are lined by columnar to flattened mucus-secreting cells.
Spindle-cell stroma with occasional hyalinization and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate.
Oncocytic and clear-cell change as well as focal ciliated epithelium may be seen.
Figure 23.1 Low power of mucous-gland adenoma showing a well-circumscribed lesion containing dilated and irregular glandular spaces, some of which contain mucin. |
Figure 23.2 Higher power of mucous-gland adenoma showing irregular glands lined by mucus-secreting cells. |
Part 2 Salivary-Gland-Like Tumors