Characterization of cells in salivary gland lesions by immunohistochemical identification of carcinoembryonic antigens.

Immunohistochemical demonstration of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was reported in normal salivary glands and in pathologic lesions. Staining patterns of CEA and nonspecific cross-reacting antigen-absorbed CEA (NCAa-CEA) were compared. Normal salivary glands disclosed positive staining by CEA on border and luminal sides of acinar cells and occasionally in components secreted into ductal spaces with both antigens used. Chronic obstructive lesions displayed an intense CEA staining in ductlike structures and in material secreted into their lumina in the two antigens used. Pleomorphic adenoma exhibited varying intensities of CEA in neoplastic epithelial cells of ductal structures. In contrast, they showed a slight staining reaction to NCAa-CEA. Squamous-cell carcinomas showed a strong CEA reaction, whereas they showed no reaction or a trace reaction to NCAa-CEA. Positive staining to CEA in squamous neoplastic lesions was related to nonspecific reacting antigens.