Immunohistochemical Characteristics of Proliferation and Apoptosis Marker Expression in Benign Salivary Gland Tumors
Keywords:
immunohistochemistry, salivary gland tumors, proliferation markers, apoptosis markers, Ki-67, p53, Bcl-2, Bax, benign neoplasms, tumor biology, recurrence, pathology, clinical outcomesAbstract
Benign salivary gland tumors demonstrate diverse biological behaviors despite their non-malignant nature, necessitating detailed evaluation of cellular proliferation and apoptosis mechanisms. Immunohistochemical (IHC) markers such as Ki-67, p53, Bcl-2, and Bax play a crucial role in understanding tumor growth dynamics and potential for recurrence. This study aims to analyze the expression patterns of proliferation and apoptosis-related markers in benign salivary gland tumors and assess their clinical significance. A mixed-methods study involving 104 patients diagnosed with pleomorphic adenoma, Warthin tumor, and basal cell adenoma between 2019 and 2025 was conducted. Quantitative analysis measured the percentage and intensity of marker expression, while qualitative analysis evaluated morphological correlations and clinical outcomes. The findings reveal that pleomorphic adenomas exhibit higher proliferative activity and anti-apoptotic marker expression compared to other tumor types. A significant correlation (r = 0.66) was observed between elevated Ki-67 index and recurrence risk. The study highlights the importance of integrating IHC profiling into diagnostic and prognostic assessment to optimize treatment strategies.
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