Lymphoepithelial Carcinoma of Salivary Glands

Surg Pathol Clin. 2021 Mar;14(1):75-96. doi: 10.1016/j.path.2020.09.009.

Abstract

Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of salivary glands (LECSG) is an uncommon neoplasm. This article summarizes the findings of 438 cases in a review of the literature. Concurrent lymphoepithelial lesions may suggest a primary tumor. The tumor shows a nonkeratinizing carcinoma intimately associated with a rich lymphohistiocytic infiltrate, destroying adjacent salivary gland tissue. Irrespective of race or ethnicity, the tumors usually express Epstein-Barr virus, with Epstein-Barr virus encoded small RNA (EBER) and/or latent membrane protein-1 (LMP-1), although a subset does not. There is an overall good prognosis of about 80% at 5 years.

Keywords: EBER; Immunohistochemistry; Lymphoepithelial carcinoma; Salivary gland.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma / epidemiology
  • Carcinoma / pathology*
  • Carcinoma / surgery
  • Carcinoma / virology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / epidemiology
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / pathology
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / genetics
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Incidence
  • Lymphoid Tissue / pathology*
  • Lymphoid Tissue / virology
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms / surgery
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms / virology