Synchronous water-clear cell double parathyroid adenomas a hitherto uncharacterized entity?

Water-clear cell hyperplasia is a rare but well-documented cause of primary hyperparathyroidism. Parathyroid adenomas of the water-clear cell type are exceptionally rare, and only 2 cases have been reported. We describe a patient with synchronous water-clear cell double parathyroid adenomas, an entity that has not previously been reported. In our case, the enlarged superior parathyroid glands were completely replaced by water-clear cells, with only a minute rim of extracapsular, histologically unremarkable parathyroid tissue. The inferior parathyroid glands were grossly unremarkable, and incisional biopsy specimens were histologically normal (no foci of water-clear cells were identified). The findings in this case are most consistent with the diagnosis of double adenomas of the water-clear cell type. We acknowledge that despite molecular proof of monoclonality of the 2 lesions, it is not possible to entirely exclude the possibility that this unusual case could be due to asymmetric hyperplasia.

Parathyroid biopsy to facilitate the preservation of functional parathyroid tissue during thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: The preservation of viable parathyroid tissue, either by preserving parathyroid glands in situ with an intact blood supply or by autotransplantation, is an integral element of thyroid surgery. There is a general impression that nonviable parathyroid glands can be recognized on the basis of black or purple-black discoloration of the gland. We came to believe that this is not a reliable way to assess the viability of parathyroid glands because we observed that when we excised parathyroid glands (with the intention of reimplanting them) in situations where it was not feasible to preserve their blood supply, they did not become discolored. METHODS: To assess the status of the parathyroid blood supply, we performed incisional biopsies of suspected parathyroid glands during 14 consecutive thyroid operations (9 hemithyroidectomies, 1 completion thyroidectomy, 4 total thyroidectomies), and observed the biopsy site for evidence of active bleeding. RESULTS: Thirty-four of 36 possible parathyroid glands were histologically confirmed. Seventeen bled actively from the biopsy site and were preserved in situ. The other 17 were felt to be nonviable: 5 were severely discolored (black) and either no bleeding or minor venous oozing was seen when they were biopsied; 12 with normal coloration (3 were harvested prior to biopsy), did not bleed actively following an incisional biopsy. Parathyroid glands that were judged to be devascularized were autotransplanted into the sternocleidomastoid muscle. CONCLUSIONS: The absence of discoloration is not a reliable way to determine whether the parathyroid blood supply is intact. Biopsy of the parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery facilitates the identification of devascularized parathyroid glands that can be salvaged with autotransplantation.

Poorly differentiated insular thyroid carcinoma. A case report with identification of intact insulae with fine needle aspiration biopsy.

BACKGROUND: Subsequent to the publication of a report in 1984 entitled "Poorly Differentiated ("Insular") Carcinoma: A Reinterpretation of Langhans "wuchernde Struma," poorly differentiated insular thyroid carcinoma (PDITC) has become recognized as a distinct thyroid neoplasm. It is classified morphologically and biologically as an intermediate entity between well-differentiated (papillary and follicular) and undifferentiated (anaplastic) thyroid carcinomas. Only a few publications have addressed the findings with fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). CASE: A 67-year-old female presented for evaluation of a massively enlarged thyroid gland. Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid with a 22-gauge needle showed many large, multilayered, round to oval nests of tumor cells, 0.2-0.4 mm in diameter. Rosettelike configurations of 8-15 cells, 0.025-0.050 mm in diameter, were also observed. Nests of neoplastic cells in the histologic sections were virtually identical to those in the fine needle aspiration biopsy specimens. When the patient developed metastatic cervical adenopathy one year later, a microfollicular pattern was seen on both the FNAB and histologic sections. CONCLUSION: When nests of tumor cells, 0.2-0.4 mm in diameter, are identified in a thyroid FNAB specimen, PDITC should be included in the differential diagnosis. A microfollicular pattern in a metastatic lymph node does not exclude the possibility that the primary tumor is a PDITC.

Uncommon tumors of the salivary gland in fine needle aspiration biopsies. A surgeon's perspective.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the utilization of fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy in guiding the surgeon in the management of patients with parotid masses and to study the cytohistologic correlations of rare parotid tumors. STUDY DESIGN: FNA biopsies and parotidectomies performed by a head-and-neck surgeon over an approximate three-year period were analyzed. Cytologic features of rare salivary gland tumors were also studied and correlated with their histology. RESULTS: In an acinic cell carcinoma in a 15-year-old female whose smears were stained with Diff-Quik, novel negative images of crystals were found intracytoplasmically and extracellularly, corresponding to the crystallized, membrane-bound, exocrine, secretory substance ultrastructurally. A truly malignant mixed tumor from a 73-year-old female showed capsular invasion in the primary site that later metastasized to the lung with both epithelial and mesenchymal components. The tumor cells did not exhibit nuclear atypia except for fine cytoplasmic vacuoles in the Diff-Quik-stained smears. Basal cell adenoma, membranous (dermal analogue) type, from an 87-year-old female had an interesting geographic pattern on smears. CONCLUSION: Within three years, a total of 70 FNAs were performed. Of those cases, 46 had surgery. Preoperative FNAs of the salivary gland lesions were utilized by the surgeon in guiding treatment options for large, fixed masses as well as masses < 1 cm, in elderly and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients.

Characterization of novel cell lines from pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid gland established in a collagen gel system.

The pathobiology of salivary neoplasms can best be studied in a model system that reflects the native state of the tumor. The present study describes the use of a three-dimensional collagen gel (organoid) system in which pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid gland were propagated in vitro. Five pleomorphic adenoma cultures were established as organoid gels and compared with touch-preparations or cryopreserved specimens of native tumor. The organoid cultures demonstrated normal DNA content, the expression of myoepithelial cell proteins, and the production of sulfated acid mucins; these cellular and secretory features mimicked those found in the archival specimens. Further, organoid cultures of pleomorphic adenoma could be initiated after monolayer culture, demonstrating that culture on a plastic support does not alter the nature of the cells. Development of an in vitro culture system that maintains the native state of pleomorphic adenoma is an important tool for studying the pathobiology of these tumors.

Cancer of the external auditory canal and temporal bone.

Malignant tumors involving the structures of the temporal bone represent formidable diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for clinicians involved in the treatment of otologic disease. This article offers a perspective on the current understanding of the biology of malignancies involving the external auditory canal, middle ear space, and temporal bone, and reviews the often confusing and contradictory literature on this topic.

Elevated carcinoembryonic antigen levels correlating with disease recurrence in a patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is an oncofetal glycoprotein involved in cell recognition and adhesion. Serum CEA has been extensively studied as a potential chemical marker for malignancy, most notably in patients with colon carcinoma. Serum CEA measurements have not been reported for patients with salivary gland carcinomas. METHODS: Serum CEA was measured in a case study using enzyme immunoassay with monoclonal antibody specific for CEA. Tissue was examined with standard histologic and immunohistologic methods. RESULTS: A patient was initially seen with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the trachea and had a markedly elevated serum CEA level which declined after surgical resection. The serum CEA level became elevated again when the patient developed abdominal metastases and then declined after debulking of the tumor. Immunohistochemical study of the tumor was positive for CEA. CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of serum CEA levels may play a role in the management of patients with ACC. Clinical investigation utilizing monoclonal antibodies against CEA, for imaging and for the delivery of chemotherapy and radiotherapy may be worthwhile.