Mesothelin Expression in Gastric Adenocarcinoma and Its Relation to Clinical Outcomes

BACKGROUND: Although surgical resection with chemotherapy is considered effective for patients with advanced gastric cancer, it remains the third leading cause of cancer-related death in South Korea. Several studies have reported that mesothelial markers including mesothelin, calretinin, and Wilms tumor protein 1 (WT1) were positive in variable carcinomas, associated with prognosis, and were evaluated as potential markers for targeted therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the immunohistochemical expression of mesothelial markers (mesothelin, calretinin, and WT1) in gastric adenocarcinoma and their relations to clinocopathological features and prognosis. METHODS: We evaluated calretinin, WT1, and mesothelin expression by immunohistochemical staining in 117 gastric adenocarcinomas. RESULTS: Mesothelin was positively stained in 30 cases (25.6%). Mesothelin expression was related to increased depth of invasion (p = .002), lymph node metastasis (p = .013), and presence of lymphovascular (p = .015) and perineural invasion (p = .004). Patients with mesothelin expression had significantly worse disease-free survival rate compared with that of nonmesothelin expression group (p = .024). Univariate analysis showed that mesothelin expression is related to short-term survival. None of the 117 gastric adenocarcinomas stained for calretinin or WT1. CONCLUSIONS: Mesothelin expression was associated with poor prognosis. Our results suggest that mesothelin-targeted therapy should be considered as an important therapeutic alternative for gastric adenocarcinoma patients with mesothelin expression.

Cytologic Findings of Thyroid Carcinoma Showing Thymus-like Differentiation: A Case Report

Carcinoma showing thymus-like differentiation (CASTLE) is a rare carcinoma of the thyroid or adjacent soft tissue of the neck with a histologic resemblance to thymic epithelial tumors. Although the fine-needle aspiration (FNA) plays a central role in the initial evaluation of thyroid nodules, few reports about the cytologic findings of CASTLE have been found according to a review of literatures. We report cytologic findings of a case of CASTLE. A 34-year-old woman presented with a 2-month history of sore throat. The FNA showed that the smear was composed of three dimensional clusters and sheets. The tumor cells were round to ovoid with high nuclear : cytoplasmic ratios. The nuclei were vesicular with small nucleoli. There were some tumor cells showing keratinization. Some lymphocytes were found on the background and within clusters. The presence of poorly-differentiated tumor cells with a focal keratinization and a lymphocytic background on the FNA is suggestive of CASTLE.

Cytologic Findings of Thyroid Carcinoma Showing Thymus-like Differentiation: A Case Report

Carcinoma showing thymus-like differentiation (CASTLE) is a rare carcinoma of the thyroid or adjacent soft tissue of the neck with a histologic resemblance to thymic epithelial tumors. Although the fine-needle aspiration (FNA) plays a central role in the initial evaluation of thyroid nodules, few reports about the cytologic findings of CASTLE have been found according to a review of literatures. We report cytologic findings of a case of CASTLE. A 34-year-old woman presented with a 2-month history of sore throat. The FNA showed that the smear was composed of three dimensional clusters and sheets. The tumor cells were round to ovoid with high nuclear : cytoplasmic ratios. The nuclei were vesicular with small nucleoli. There were some tumor cells showing keratinization. Some lymphocytes were found on the background and within clusters. The presence of poorly-differentiated tumor cells with a focal keratinization and a lymphocytic background on the FNA is suggestive of CASTLE.

A Case of Endocrine Mucin-Producing Sweat Gland Carcinoma Co-existing with Mucinous Carcinoma: A Case Report

An endocrine mucin-producing sweat gland carcinoma (EMPSGC) is a rare skin tumor that most commonly occurs on the eyelids of elderly women. This tumor is morphologically analogous to endocrine ductal carcinoma in situ and solid papillary carcinoma of the breast. We describe one case of a 51-year-old male with an EMPSGC co-existing with mucinous carcinoma of the eyelid. The tumor was composed of dilated ducts with a smooth border and was partially filled with a papillary proliferation. Tumor cells were uniform, small-to-medium in size, and oval-to-polygonal with light eosinophilic cytoplasm. Nuclei were bland with diffusely stippled chromatin and inconspicuous nucleoli. Tumor cells expressed chromogranin, synaptophysin, estrogen and progesterone receptors, cytokeratin 7, and epithelial membrane antigen.

Cytologic Findings of Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy of 23 Schwannomas / 대한세포병리학회지

In an attempt to better define the cytologic characteristics of schwannomas, we have reviewed aspirates and corresponding histologic sections from 23 schwannomas. Of this number, the original cytologic diagnoses were: schwannoma in 14 cases (61%), benign soft tissue tumor in 2 cases (9%), and insufficient specimen in 7 cases (30%). The cytologic findings common to all cases of schwannoma included fragments of tightly cohesive fascicles with variable cellularity and corresponding Antoni type A area. The Antoni type B area, consisting of scattered spindle cells and some histiocytes and lymphocytes against a myxoid background, was seen in 14 cases. Fibrillary stroma was seen in 12 cases. The tumor cells had spindle- or oval-shaped nuclei, with pointed ends and indistinct cell borders. Nuclear palisading was seen in 10 cases, and distinctive Verocay bodies were seen in 5 cases. In ancient schwannomas, there were no Verocay bodies. Most schwannomas have distinct cytomorphologic features that allow correct diagnosis. The major problem with fine needle aspiration cytology of these tumors is the high frequency of poor cellularity, particularly in lesions with cystic degeneration. Of 7 cases with insufficient specimen, 4 showed marked cystic changes and 1 showed marked hyaline changes on histologic sections. In conclusion, we believe that if cytopathologist reminds the situation such as cystic degeneration or hyaline degeneration, the correct diagnosis of the schwannoma will be easily made.

A Case Report of Cutaneous Coccidioidomycosis

Coccidioidomycosis, which results from inhaling the spores of Coccidioides species, is endemic in the southwestern United States. The primary infection site is the lung, and dissemination of the disease can occur. We report a case of cutaneous coccidioidomycosis in a 79-year-old Korean woman who presented with purpura on both lower extremities, but no pulmonary symptoms and no history of visiting an endemic area. Microscopically, skin biopsy showed multiple aggregates of granulomas in the dermis. Numerous multinucleated giant cells were associated with the granulomas. Mature and immature fungal spherules, which were 20 to 30 micrometer in diameter, were present inside and outside the multinucleated giant cells.

Fibrovascular Polyp of the Hypopharynx: A Case Report

We report here on a case of fibrovascular polyp arising in the hypopharynx of a 62-year-old man. Laryngomicroscopic surgery with laser ablation was performed to excise the mass. Histopathologically, the surface of the polyp was covered with mature squamous epithelium. The polyp showed a characteristic lobular proliferation of mature adipose tissue that was separated by myxoid or collagenous connective tissue. Some scattered skeletal muscle bundles were seen in the central portions of the polyp and these bundles were surrounded by a concentric proliferation of the spindle cells; this was reminiscent of Pacinian corpuscles. Regarding their location and the intermingled pattern of proliferating tissues, it is more plausible that the skeletal muscle is a hamartomatous component rather than entrapped, preexisting tissue.

A Diagnostically Challenging Case of an Infarcted Adenomatoid Tumor of the Epididymis

We describe a case of an infarcted adenomatoid tumor of the epididymis that was challenging to diagnose. A 20-year-old man presented with acute left scrotal pain. He was found to have a 2x1.5x1 cm tumor that was relatively well circumscribed on gross examination. There was a central necrotic area that exhibited gaping spaces and ghost outlines of epithelial cells. The periphery of the necrotic lesion showed focally viable adenomatoid tumor. The majority of the tissue adjacent to the necrosis consisted of granulation tissue, fibroblastic and myofibroblastic proliferation, and neutrophils. The fibroblasts and myofibroblasts showed plump nuclei, often with small nucleoli. No mitotic activity was present. The differential diagnosis for an infarcted adenomatoid tumor includes malignant mesothelioma, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, and inflammatory conditions. The key to diagnosing an infarcted adenomatoid tumor is to consider it in the differential diagnosis of any spindle cell tumor with necrosis occurring in the genital tract.

Synchronous Development of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor and Arteriovenous Malformation in the Jejunum: A Case Report

Vascular malformations associated with neoplasms are extremely rare. Herein we report an extraordinary coincidence of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in the jejunum. A 44-year-old woman presented with melena and anemia. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a highly vascularized, strong early arterial enhancing soft tissue mass in the jejunum, which was confirmed by angiography to be an AVM supplied by the distal jejunal branch of the superior mesenteric artery. An emergency operation was performed due to active gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. The resected jejunum showed a protruding, mostly solid subserosal mass. The mass was confirmed to be a spindle cell type GIST and was intermingled with the AVM located in the overlying submucosa and muscularis propria. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an AVM associated with a GIST. This case masqueraded radiologically as an AVM alone and presented clinically with GI bleeding.

Helicobacter heilmannii-associated Gastritis: Clinicopathologic Findings and Comparison with Helicobacter pylori-associated Gastritis

The aims of this study were to evaluate the clinicopathologic features of Helicobacter heilmannii-associated gastritis and to compare H. heilmannii-associated gastritis with H. pylori-associated gastritis. We reviewed 5,985 consecutive gastric biopsy specimens. All cases of chronic gastritis with Helicobacter infection were evaluated with the Updated Sydney System, and the grades of all gastritis variables were compared between H. heilmannii-associated gastritis and H. pylori-associated gastritis groups. There were 10 cases of H. heilmannii-associated gastritis (0.17%) and 3,285 cases of H. pylori-associated gastritis (54.9%). The organisms were superficially located within the mucous layer without adhesion to epithelial cells. Interestingly, in one case many intracytoplasmic H. heilmannii organisms were observed in parietal cells with cell damage. A case of low-grade mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma concomitant with H. heilmannii infection was detected. Compared to H. pylori-associated gastritis, H. heilmannii-associated gastritis showed less severe neutrophilic activity (p<0.0001), mononuclear cell infiltration (p=0.0029), and endoscopic findings of chronic gastritis devoid of erosion or ulcer (p=0.0309). In conclusion, we present the detailed clinicopathologic findings of H. heilmanniiassociated gastritis compared to H. pylori-associated gastritis. H. heilmannii-associated gastritis is uncommon and milder than H. pylori-associated gastritis, however it may be noteworthy with respect to the development of MALT lymphoma.

A case of histologically diagnosed tick infestation on the scalp of a Korean child

A scalp mass surgically excised from a 4-year-old Korean boy was identified as a tick through histological observations. In sections of the mass, characteristic features of a tick, including its gross contour, cuticular structures, well developed musculature and salivary glands, and the capitulum, were discovered. In particular, the capitulum is anteriorly protruded, which strongly suggests that the specimen be a hard tick of family Ixodidae. However, the present histological features were not enough to determine the genus and species of the tick, because information on sectional morphologies of different tick species is unavailable. This is a rare case of tick infestation on the scalp diagnosed in histological sections.

Expression of c-kit and Cell Cycle Regulators in Non-small Cell Lung Carcinoma

BACKGROUND: The abnormal expression of c-kit is implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of solid tumors. The Rb pathway and p53 act as cell cycle regulators. The purpose of this study was to assess the expression of c-kit, Rb, p53, p16 and cyclin D1 and their relationship to clinical and pathological parameters in patients with non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC(s)). METHODS: Tissue microarrays consisting of 2 mm cores from the corresponding blocks were constructed from 54 NSCLC(s). Immunohistochemical staining for c-kit, Rb, p53, p16 and cyclin D1 was performed. C-kit immunostaining was considered positive if > or =10% of tumor cells were immunoreactive along the membrane and/or in cytoplasm. For Rb, p53, p16 and cyclin D1, tumor cells showing a nuclear staining pattern were interpreted as positive. RESULTS: We found that c-kit was expressed in 13 (24%) cases, Rb was lost in 39 (72%) cases, p53 was expressed in 28 (52%) cases, p16 was lost in 42 (78%) cases and cyclin D1 was expressed in 33 (61%) cases. The c-kit expression was significantly higher in adenocarcinoma (39%) than in squamous cell carcinoma (8%). We did not find any correlation between c-kit, Rb, p53, p16 and cyclin D1 expression and clinicopathological parameters such as: age, tumor size, lymph node involvement, disease stage and distant metastasis. There was a direct correlation between p53 expression and Rb loss. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that c-kit may be a useful therapeutic target for patients with c-kit positive tumors, and that the disruption of Rb and p53 pathways may play an important role in the development and progression of NSCLC(s).

Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Thyroid Nodules in Children and Adolescents

Thyroid nodules are uncommon in children and adolescents compared with adults, but the risk of malignancy is much higher. In adults, fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) has been used extensively to select patients for surgical exploration with a high degree of reliability. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of FNAB for the management of thyroid nodules in children and adolescents. We reviewed our experience with 60 FNABs of thyroid nodules in 51 children and adolescents. Of the 60 aspirates, 45 aspirates (74%) were diagnosed as "benign", 5 aspirates (8%) as "suspicious for malignancy", and 6 aspirates (10%) as "malignant", and 4 aspirates (7%) as "unsatisfactory". Thyroidectomy was performed in 17 patients, and 5 with a cytological diagnosis of "benign" revealed nodular hyperplasia in three and follicular adenoma in two; 5 with a cytological diagnosis of "suspicious" revealed nodular hyperplasia in one, follicular adenoma in two, and papillary carcinoma in two; and 6 with a cytological diagnosis of "malignant" revealed papillary carcinoma. One patient with a cytological diagnosis of "unsatisfactory" revealed papillary carcinoma. The diagnostic accuracy was 81% with 100% sensitivity and 63% specificity. The positive and negative predictive values of FNAB were 73% and 100%, respectively. We conclude that FNAB is a good screening test for thyroid nodules in children and adolescents because of its high sensitivity.

Urachal Adenocarcinoma with a Concomitant Urachal Remnant: A Case Report

Urachal adenocarcinoma is a rare tumor, and it has similarities with nonurachal adenocarcinoma; therefore, it is sometimes difficult to make a diagnosis. We present a typical case of urachal adenocarcinoma that had all the diagnostic criteria including the presence of an urachal remnant. A 65-year-old woman presented with complaints of a painless gross hematuria. Pelvic CT and cystoscopy showed an intraluminal protruding mass centered in the bladder wall. When diagnosed as adenocarcinoma with a signet ring cell component being noted by frozen biopsy, partial cystectomy with resection of the median umbilical ligament and peritoneum was carried out for a suspected urachal adenocarcinoma. The tumor morphology showed as typical mucinous adenocarcinoma. Characteristic tubular structures showing the typical histology of an urachal remnant was found in the perivesical fat. On immunohistochemical staining, the urachal adenocarcinoma showed a pattern similar to colonic adenocarcinoma, while the urachal remnant showed strong positivity for CK7 and Chromogranin A.

Multiple Small Intestinal Stromal Tumors Associated with Neurofibromatosis-1

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rarely noted in association with neurofibromatosis-1 (NF-1, von Recklinghausen disease) as an individual gastrointestinal manifestation. We report here a case of multiple GISTs with an abundant skeinoid fiber in the jejunum of a 43-year-old woman diagnosed as NF-1. Histologically, the tumors were composed of uniform spindle-shaped cells with a fascicular pattern, almost indistinguishable from the histology characteristic of usual GISTs. However, multiple synchronous tumor occurrence, abundant skeinoid fiber, and presence of microscopic miniatures of stromal tumors are additional characteristic features of this case.

Ultrastructural Studies of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Although interstitial cells of Cajal has been suggested as origin of this tumor, the cytological and ultrastructural features of GISTs are heterogeneous and unclear. A total 10 cases of normal gastrointestinal tissue (control), 13 GISTs of the stomach (8), small intestine (3), mesocolon (1) and liver (1), and 2 gastrointestinal autonomic nervous tumor (GANT) of small intestine were ultrastructurally studied. Normal interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) were abundantly present around the myenteric plexuses or individually scattered through the wall of GIT. ICC was characterized by slender cytoplasmic processes, well-developed endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, caveolae and intermediate filaments. The GISTs and GANTs had overlapping ultrastructures. The most common and important ultrastructural features of GISTs were rich villous cytoplasmic processes, dispersed intermediate filaments and abundant SER, and those of GANTs were neurosecretory granules and skenoid fibers. Compared with ICC, the GISTs and GANTs had remarkably reduced caveolae and gap junctions. Our study suggested that ultrastructural analysis gives much information to investigate lineage differentiation of neoplastic cells and make a differential diagnosis of these tumors from other mesenchymal tumors and between GISTs and GANTs.

Genomic Imbalances in Ependymoma by Degenerate Oligonucleotide Primed PCR-Comparative Genomic Hybridization

BACKGROUND: The most consistent chromosomal abnormality in ependymomas, is loss of 22q (17-75%) and gain of 1q (0-50%). However, significance of this abnormality is uncertain. METHODS: Genomic imbalances in 27 Korean ependymomas, including 21 low grade ependymomas, 4 anaplastic and 2 myxopapillary ependymomas, were analyzed by degenerate oligonucleotide primed-PCR-comparative genomic hybridization. RESULTS: Common gains were found in 17 (63%), 20q (59%), 9q34 (41%), 15q24-qter (33%), 11q13 (30%), 12q23 (26%), 7q23-qter (26%), 16q23-qter (30%), 19 (26%), and 1q32-qter (22%). DNA amplification was identified in 12 tumors (44%). Chromosomal loss was a less common occurrence in our study, but was found in 13q (26%), 6q (19%), and 3 (11%). CONCLUSION: The recurrent gains or losses of the chromosomal regions which were identified in this study provide candidate regions that may be involved in the development and progression of ependymomas.

Alpha-Fetoprotein-Producing Carcinoma of the Gallbladder: A case report

We experienced a case of a gallbladder carcinoma detected incidentally by elevated serum alpha- fetoprotein. The patient had a symptom of mild intermittent indigestion, and a routine medical examination revealed elevation of serum alpha-fetoprotein. A mass, 4 cm 3 cm, was located in the gallbladder and it had not infiltrated the liver. The serum level of alpha-fetoprotein decreased after a cholecystectomy. The gallbladder mass was an adenocarcinoma of hepatoid differentiation. Cytoplasms of the tumor cells had positive reactivity to immunohistochemical staining of alpha-fetoprotein. In the course of postoperative follow up, the serum alpha-fetoprotein level increased continuously, and abdominal CT scanning proved multiple intrahepatic metastases.