Cytology and cytochemistry of acinic cell carcinoma.

In a primary material of 314 epithelial parotid tumours treated at the University Hospital in Umeå since 1958, fiften (11 female and 4 male patients) were classified as acinic cell carcinomas. Four of the female patients were in the age range 16--19 years. At the ultrastructural level, granulated cells were the predominant cell type in four tumours studied. Agranulated cells highly reminiscent of intercalated duct cells were also encountered, however. Various cytochemical techniques were employed to demonstrate periodate reactive carbohydrates and acid phosphatase activity. Tumour specimens were also collected and analysed for their content of amylase and cyclic AMP. The cyto- and biochemical findings are discussed and correlated to those observed in normal salivary gland tissue.