Immunohistochemical expression of caspases 9 and 3 in adenoid cystic carcinoma of salivary glands and association with clinicopathological parameters.

Purpose: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is one of the most common malignant salivary gland tumors. It is characterized by a high rate of recurrence, perineural invasion and development of distant metastases many years after removal of the primary tumor. Disorders of the induction of apoptosis and its cascade reactions where caspases are involved may be significant in the pathogenesis of this tumor.