title: "Anemone" cell (villiform) tumors: electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry of five cases.
abstract: Five large cell malignant neoplasms were studied by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Ultrastructural examination demonstrated numerous circumferential microvilli in 3 cases and a more polarized distribution in 2 cases. The tumor cells in 2 cases demonstrated the surface glycoprotein T29/33, indicative of a hematopoietic neoplasm. Two cases (including one positive for T29/33) contained intracytoplasmic IgG-kappa. Anti-keratin staining using both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies was negative. Two patients are alive and in remission after treatment for lymphoma. One died with tumor following a progressive course, and one has been lost to follow-up. A fifth patient died of tumor and at autopsy was found to have a disseminated pancreatic tumor. Microvilli around large malignant cells have been commonly associated with epithelial tumors; however, our findings indicate that, in the absence of intercellular junctions and tonofilaments, the possibility of malignant lymphoma should be considered and pursued immunohistochemistry.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen / Q000032:analysis; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis; D007633:Keratins / Q000032:analysis; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008297:Male; D008643:Mesentery / Q000473:pathology; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008871:Microvilli / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D007633:Keratins