Preliminary diagnostic criteria for distinguishing metaplastic Warthin tumors from mucoepidermoid carcinomas rich in lymphoid stroma

Key Points

• The study aims to evaluate clinicopathological and immunohistochemical profiles to differentiate between unconventional Warthin tumors and mucoepidermoid carcinomas.
• Analyzed eleven low-grade salivary gland tumors with Warthin-like features.
• Grouped tumors into two categories based on epithelial structures.
• Examined immunohistochemical staining patterns for various markers.
• Immunohistochemistry effectively distinguished Warthin-like mucoepidermoid carcinoma from metaplastic Warthin tumor.
• Key markers included CK7 and mitochondrial patterns suggesting metaplastic Warthin tumor presence.
• Basal CK14, CK5/6, and p63 helped differentiate these tumors with specificity.