Expression Of Ki-67 and MUC1 In mucoepidermoid carcinomas of young and adult patients: Prognostic implications

Mucoepidermoid cancer (MEC) is the most malignant neoplasm of minor salivary glands. The aim of this study was to compare the expression of Ki-67 and MUC1 and clinicopathological data of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) in minor salivary glands of young and adult patients. The MEC cases in patients under 25 years old (n = 8) and over 26 year old (n = 8) were matched by gender, location and TNM staging. Immunohistochemical analysis of Ki-67 and MUC1 was carried out and correlated with clinicopathological data. The expression of Ki-67 and MUC1 was similar between the groups, although a tendency towards higher Ki-67 and MUC1 expression was observed in the younger group. Despite no significant differences, survival time was shorter in adults (71.37 ± 17.44 months) compared to the younger group (97.62 ± 25.81). While no patient deaths or tumor recurrences were found in the younger patient group, the adult group presented recurrence in 25% of cases and one patient died. In conclusion, our findings showed that age can be an important factor in MEC prognosis.

Research Highlights
► Oral Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of minor salivary glands.
► Cellular proliferation (Ki-67) and secretor activity (MUC-1) in young and adults MEC patients.
► Clincopathological data and prognostic implications.
► Age is considered am important factor in MEC prognosis.