Abstract
We present a case of primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) showing a unique differentiation phenotype based on ultrastructural observation. Rapidly growing tumor involving the retroperitoneum of a 68-year-old woman was characterized by histological findings including proliferation of diffuse poorly differentiated small round cells with scattered rosette formation similar to Homer-Wright type and by the ultrastructure demonstrating cytoplasmic neurosecretary granules and short cytoplasmic cilial structures. These cells revealed immunoreactivity only with neuron-specific enolase (NSE). We also observed a chromosomal translocation, t (11; 22) (q24; q12), which is an identical recurrent alteration found in the neoplastic cells in the spectrum of PNETs. These findings may support the explanation that tumor cells observed in our case shared phenotypes of both neuronal and ependymal cell lineages and give a unique insight suggesting the possible histogenesis of PNETs.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Medical electron microscopy : official journal of the Clinical Electron Microscopy Society of Japan
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.