title: Clear cell neoplasms of the endocrine system and thymus.
abstract: Clear cell tumors of the endocrine system and thymus are rare lesions with which surgical pathologists have only infrequent contact. As a result, these neoplasms may be misinterpreted and incorrectly classified. This review considers the histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features of clear cell pituitary adenomas, parathyroid tumors, pancreatic endocrine neoplasms, adrenocortical proliferations, and thymic malignancies. Emphasis is placed throughout on differential diagnosis with microscopically-similar lesions. Clear cell endocrine tumors and thymic lesions manifest a variety of potential lineages, including examples with epithelial, neural, germ cell, and lymphoid differentiation. Because of the wide differences in behavior and recommended treatment in this group, accuracy in diagnosis is essential.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Washington University Medical Center, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Wick
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Ritter
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Humphrey
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Nappi
mesh_terms: D018262:Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000306:Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004701:Endocrine Gland Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008479:Mediastinal Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010282:Parathyroid Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013953:Thymus Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure