title: A combined small cell and spindle cell carcinoma of the lung. Report of a unique case with immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies.
abstract: A unique bronchial tumor is reported. The tumor grew as an endobronchial polyp and obstructed the right main bronchus. Histologically the lesion consisted of two different types of neoplastic cells; epithelial small cell nests and atypical spindle-shaped cells. Immunohistochemical studies with a panel of antibodies showed that the small cell nests were immunoreactive for epithelial and neuroendocrine markers. The spindle-shaped cells showed positive staining for smooth muscle actin. Epithelial markers were also positive focally in the spindle cells. Electron microscopy confirmed that the spindle-shaped cells had both epithelial and mesenchymal features. Based on these results, the tumor was considered to be a unique combination of small cell and spindle cell carcinoma.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Wakayama Rosai Hospital, Japan.
authors.forename: Y T
authors.initials: YT
authors.lastname: Tsubota
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kawaguchi
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hoso
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nishino
authors.forename: W D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Travis
mesh_terms: D002277:Carcinoma / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged