Abstract
background: Salivary gland neoplasms (SGNs) are the next most common neoplasms of mouth after squamous cell carcinoma. C-kit was soon defined as type III receptor tyrosine kinase. As together with is ligand stem cell factor play an important role in the hematopoiesis, gametogenesis and melanogenesis. C-kit is driving oncogene in the most human tumors. Over activation of downstream signaling pathways is consequence of unregulated c-kit resulting in dysregulation of cell growth and cancer formation. Objective: the aim of the present work was to determine the immunohistochemical expression of c-kit in most common benign and malignant cases of salivary gland neoplasms. Moreover, correlation of the immunoexpression of this marker with the histopathlogical grades of the studied lesions. Material and Methods: Thirty two paraffin blocks for pleomorphic Adenoma (PA), Warthin’s tumor, mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) and Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) were investigated in this study, with eight for each neoplasm were immunostained for c-kit. results: positive c-kit expression in all the studied cases with variable degrees of immunoreactivity. conclusion:High grade MEC and solid pattern of ACC showed the strongest immunoreactivity, which might play a more distinct role in tumor aggressiveness. KEY wORDS: Salivary gland neoplasm. immunohistochemistry: c-kit.