English

Abstract

Chondroid is a controversial and confusing entity, a biphasic malignant neoplasm possessing elements of both chordoma and cartilaginous tissue. The annual incidence of chordoma is approximately one in one million. Chondroid chordoma is a subtype of chordoma possessing elements of both chordoma and cartilaginous tissue with better prognosis than classic (non chondroid) chordomas. We have come across a case of Chondroid Chordoma in a 55 year old male. Our report features particularly a rare entity, chondroid chordoma, with an exceptional localization to the nasal septum. Chondroid Chordomas are likely to recur and hence diagnostically important to institute effective treatment. MICROSCOPY: Showed a tumor tissue with a lobulated appearance, with the fibrous septae and mucoid intercellular tissue separating the lobules. Some of the tumor cells (physaliferous) were extremely large, with vacuolated cytoplasm and prominent vesicular nucleus; other tumor cells were small, with inconspicuous nuclei and no visible nucleoli. Mitotic figures were scanty or absent. Areas of cartilaginous differentiation were present. (Fig. 2) Immunohistochemical staining for S-100 protein, Cytokeratin and EMA were done. The tumor showed positivity for CK and EMA. It was negative for S-100 protein. (Fig. 3, 4). So the diagnosis was based on the Immunohistochemistry along with the histomorphological features.