Argyrophilic proteins of nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) in salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma and its relation to histological grade

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the cellular proliferation rate of major and minor salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MECs) by quantitative analysis of AgNOR and to determine its relation to histopathologic grading.Study designThirty-five cases of major and minor salivary gland MECs, were retrieved and graded according to the AFIP grading schema. The mean AgNOR count was calculated for all cases.ResultsMean AgNOR counts were 0.64 ± 0.15 in low-, 1.04 ± 0.21 in intermediate-, and 1.42 ± 0.23 in high-grade MECs. A significant difference was observed in the mean AgNOR counts among the 3 groups (P < .001).ConclusionIt can be suggested that the AgNOR technique can be applied on routine histological samples to assess the growth potential of MECs. However, its prognostic value should be validated with clinical studies and survival analyses.