SECRETORY CARCINOMA OF SALIVARY GLANDS: WHERE ARE WE?

Secretory carcinoma, described as mammary analog secretory carcinoma, is a recently described tumor of salivary glands that is defined by its histologic, immunophenotypic, and genetic similarities to the secretory breast carcinoma and is characterized by ETV6 translocation. The first description of mammary analog secretory carcinoma was reported by Skalova et al. in 2010. Retrospective studies showed that some tumors of salivary glands such as acinic cell carcinoma, low-grade salivary duct carcinoma, adenocarcinoma/cystadenocarcinoma not otherwise specified (NOS), and low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma were misdiagnosed. The purpose of this study is to review the literature showing the differential characteristics among these tumors and secretory carcinoma, highlighting how to perform the correct diagnosis, giving the patients the right treatment and improving their prognosis. Potential target therapy is also approached.