TNM staging, histopathological grading, and tumor-associated antigens in patients with a history of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the salivary glands

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the TNM categories and histopathological grading as prognostic factors in mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC). In addition, the study was designed to provide baseline data on levels of tumor-associated antigens (TAA) in sera of MEC patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-nine patients with MEC of the salivary glands were evaluated.

RESULTS: Reclassified TNM stage, at the time of initial diagnosis, varied considerably. In disease-free patients, none of the tested sera were TAA elevated above the cut-off levels. Our patients who died of tumor metastasis had all been classified as stage III or IV at the time of initial diagnosis. Distant metastases are rarely found even decades after surgical therapy.

CONCLUSIONS: Long-term follow-up is recommended for patients with MEC of the salivary glands. TAA are not elevated in disease-free patients. The value of TAA in the monitoring of MEC patients remains to be evaluated in further studies.