Pigmented esthesioneuroblastoma showing dual differentiation following transplantation in nude mice. An immunohistochemical, electron microscopical, and cytogenetic analysis.
Esthesioneuroblastoma (ESTH) is a neuroepithelial-cell-derived neoplasm of the olfactory mucosa composed of homogeneous small round cells which contain neurosecretory granules. Melanin has been detected in such tumours only occasionally. Here we describe a new case of ESTH with divergent differentiation. The primary neoplasm was found in a 67 year-old female, involving the left nasal and maxillary sinus; she died of cerebral metastasis ten months after diagnosis. Histologically only small round cells were seen, with S-100 and NSE positivity. Electron microscopy revealed neurosecretory granules and filaments, as well as the occasional presence of melanosomes. A nude mice xenograft line has been established, and is presently in its ninth transfer. Two cell types are present: small round-to-spindle shaped cells with neural features, and large epithelial-like ones. Both immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy confirm this dual differentiation, with the presence of membrane-bound dense-core neural secretion, as well as melanosomes of neuroectodermal origin. Additionally, an in vitro cell line has been established. Cytogenetic analysis confirmed the presence of both malignant human melanoma patterns; non-random abnormalities in chromosomes 1 and 6, extra copies of chromosome 7. Duplication of the long arm of chromosome 14, as seen in olfactory neuroblastoma, is also seen.
Llombart-Bosch
A
A
Department of Pathology, Hospital Clinico, University of Valencia Medical School, Spain.
Carda
C
C
Peydro-Olaya
A
A
Noguera
R
R
Boix
J
J
Pellin
A
A
D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D051379:Mice; D008819:Mice, Nude; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009368:Neoplasm Transplantation; D018241:Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive, Peripheral / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured