title: Aspiration cytology and immunohistochemistry of a pheochromocytoma-ganglioneuroma of the adrenal gland.
abstract: The results of fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology, immunohistochemical staining and electron microscopy of combined pheochromocytoma-ganglioneuroma are presented. The cytologic findings included clusters of neoplastic cells with features of a neuroendocrine tumor and aggregates of spindle-shaped cells with interspersed ganglionlike cells. Aspirated material was tested for a panel of hormones by the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. The neoplastic cells showed positive staining for neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). Electron microscopy demonstrated granules similar to those of a pancreatic VIPoma in the nerve processes of the ganglioneuroma component. This appears to be the first description of the FNA cytology of a combined pheochromocytoma-ganglioneuroma. The value of immunohistochemical staining in the study of FNA material for making a specific diagnosis and the clinical implications of a preoperative diagnosis in the management of this lesion are discussed.
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Layfield
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Glasgow
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Du Puis
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bhuta
mesh_terms: D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000032:analysis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D002116:Calcitonin / Q000032:analysis; D043182:Carboxylesterase; D002265:Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005729:Ganglioneuroma / Q000032:analysis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000032:analysis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D009418:S100 Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D009418:S100 Proteins; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide; D002116:Calcitonin; D002265:Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases; D043182:Carboxylesterase