The role of morphometry in the cytology of pleomorphic adenomas of the salivary glands

A morphometric analysis was performed on cytologic smears (FNAB) of 5 cases of pleomorphic adenoma that recurred after the first diagnosis and on 5 ordinary pleomorphic adenoma. The considered parameters were as follows: nuclear area, perimeter, maximum diameter, feret x, feret y, F shaped and D circle. A statistical analysis was performed between the two groups for all the considered parameters using a two-sided Student's t-test for independent samples. The test showed significant differences of the parameter nuclear area. The authors conclude that a morphometric assessment may bring a significant contribution in the knowledge and prediction of the outcome of pleomorphic adenoma.