Kuttner's tumor of salivary glands resembling marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the MALT type: a histopathologic and immunohistochemical study of 7 cases

Int J Surg Pathol. 2004 Oct;12(4):389-93. doi: 10.1177/106689690401200411.

Abstract

Kuttner's tumor is a benign inflammatory process of the submandibular gland that presents as a hard mass mimicking a malignant neoplasm clinically. The histologic feature varies according to stage of evolution and severity of inflammation. We report here 7 cases of Kuttner's tumor that morphologically resemble primary salivary gland marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type. Histologically, the lobular architecture was distorted and the septa showed sclerosis. There was a dense lymphoplasmacytoid infiltration with lymphoid follicle formation accompanied by loss of acini and ducts. In 4 cases, a few salivary gland ducts contained the lymphoid cells within the epithelium. However, a true lymphoepithelial lesion was observed in none of the 7 cases. Immunohistochemical study demonstrated a disrupted follicular dendritic cell network, which is a characteristic finding of follicular colonization of MALT-type lymphoma. In 6 cases, there were a few small foci of lymphocytes somewhat resembling centrocyte-like cells of MALT-type lymphoma. However, immunohistological study demonstrated the mixed nature of the cells resembling centrocyte-like cells. Moreover, the polytypic nature of B lymphocytes was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Clone Cells
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / analysis
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Submandibular Gland / metabolism
  • Submandibular Gland / pathology*
  • Submandibular Gland Diseases / metabolism
  • Submandibular Gland Diseases / pathology*
  • Submandibular Gland Diseases / therapy
  • Submandibular Gland Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains