Background: Mammary analogue secretory carcinoma (MASC) of the salivary gland shows morphologic similarities and shares an immunophenotype and characteristic ETV6-NTRK3 translocation with secretory carcinoma of the breast. We present a buccal case of MASC along with a survey-based debate about its cytologic diagnosis by fine-needle aspiration (FNA). Case: FNA of the buccal nodule of a 58-year-old Japanese man was initially performed by 3 cytologists who gave different assessments of the Papanicolaou classification (i.e., class II, III, and V). To investigate the potential for discrepant diagnosis of MASC on a larger scale, we distributed a survey with questions about the cytological diagnosis of the present case to cytologists at other institutions. A total of 109 cytologists completed the survey, providing varying assessments of the Papanicolaou classification: class I/II (14%), class III (53%), and class IV/V (33%). Most of the respondents (72%) could not identify a particular tumor or disease. Even the respondents who identified a particular tumor suggested widely differing diagnoses, from a benign lesion to various malignant tumors. Only 2 respondents correctly identified MASC. Conclusion: Our experience and the results of the survey suggest difficulty in the cytodiagnosis of MASC.

Keywords:
Mammary analogue secretory carcinoma, Minor salivary gland, Secretory carcinoma, Fine-needle aspiration, Cytology, Survey, Buccal mucosa
© 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel
2017
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.