Small round cell tumors of bone.
BACKGROUND
Primary small round cell tumors of the bone are a heterogeneous group of malignant neoplasms presenting predominantly in children and adolescents. They include Ewing sarcoma/peripheral neuroectodermal tumor or Ewing family tumors, lymphoma, mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, and small cell osteosarcoma. Even though they share many morphological similarities, their unique biological and genetic characteristics have provided substantial insights into the pathology of these diverse neoplasms.


OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of the clinical, radiologic, pathologic, and genetic characteristics of these tumors along with a pertinent review of the literature.


METHODS
A literature search using PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE was performed, and data were obtained from various articles pertaining to clinicopathologic, biological, and genetic findings in these tumors. Additionally, findings from rare cases have been included from author's subspecialty experience.


CONCLUSIONS
The diagnosis of small round cell tumors can be made accurately by applying clinicopathologic criteria, as well as a panel of immunohistochemical and genetic studies in appropriate cases. Molecular genetic studies may provide further insight into the biology, histogenesis, and prognosis of these tumors.
Hameed
Meera
M
Surgical Pathology, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA. hameedmr@umdnj.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D002813:Chondrosarcoma / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D018242:Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D012516:Osteosarcoma / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D012512:Sarcoma, Ewing / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome