Abstract: The incidence of tumor development and metastasis depends on tumor angiogenesis, and thrombospondin（TSP）-1 has an important role in tumor angiogenesis. Therefore, the understanding of the expression of tsp-1 genes and its relationship with angiogenesis in tumor of different malignant degree through the study of literature, understanding of the expression of tsp-1 genes and its relationship with the microvessel density in mucoepidermoid
carcinoma of different malignant degree, it will has of important significance to further clarify the pathogenesis of salivary gland mucoepidermoid cancer. Next, author reviewed on the structure and function of the TSP-1, TSP-1 expression in tumor tissues and its inhibited tumor angiogenesis.

Key words: mucoepidermoid carcinoma, thrombospondin-1, microvessel density