Amphicrine differentiation in bronchioloalveolar cell carcinoma.
We report for the first time a classical bronchioloalveolar cell carcinoma with both exocrine and endocrine differentiation (amphicrine) in the same cell. At electron microscopy the tumor cells showed a mixed type II alveolar cell/Clara cell and mucous differentiation. In addition, there were many dense-core neurosecretory granules at the base of the majority of the cells. Immunocytochemically the tumor showed positivity for surfactant and a panel of neuroendocrine antibodies, including NSE, PGP9.5, synaptophysin, and chromogranin A. The presence of neuroendocrine differentiation was not hinted at by routine histology and did not indicate a more aggressive behavior in this case since the patient is well 3 years after the resection.
Sheppard
M N
MN
Department of Lung Pathology, Royal Brompton National Heart and Lung Institute, London, United Kingdom.
Thurlow
N P
NP
Dewar
A
A
D002282:Adenocarcinoma, Bronchiolo-Alveolar / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D003594:Cytoplasmic Granules / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000473:pathology*