Cytologic diagnosis of salivary duct carcinoma: A review of seven cases

Abstract

The cytomorphologic findings in fine-needle aspirates from 7 cases of salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) are reviewed and correlated with the histologic features. Malignant cytologic characteristics are clear in this tumor; and no false-negative results were obtained. But the absence of cribriform or papillary groups suggests an inconclusive diagnosis and sometimes the need to establish a differential diagnosis with other salivary tumors, and in particular with adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified (ADC-NOS) and high- grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma (h-g MEC). The pitfalls in the cytologic diagnosis of this tumor are discussed. In addition, the literature on the subject is reviewed.