Soft tissue mixed tumor of the hand

Mixed tumors are relatively common in the skin and salivary glands, but extremely rare in soft tissues, often resulting in diagnostic problems. The occurrence of these tumors in the hand is especially limited. In this article we report the clinical, radiological, and histological features of a mixed tumor of the hypothenar region of the right hand

EZH2 is a sensitive marker of malignancy in salivary gland tumors

BACKGROUND: The immunohistochemical detection of Enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) proved to be a useful tool to recognize the malignant nature of tumors in a wide variety of neoplasms. The histological diagnostics of salivary gland tumors is a challenging task, and a reliable marker of malignancy would be extremely helpful. METHODS: EZH2 expression was investigated in 54 malignant and 40 benign salivary gland tumors of various histological types by standard immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The majority (n = 52) of the malignant tumors stained positively, while all the investigated benign tumors were negative for EZH2. CONCLUSIONS: EZH2 expression in salivary gland tumors, similarly to the tumors of other organs is not characteristic for any tumor type, but is a solid marker of the malignant nature of the tumors

Basal cytokeratins and their relationship to the cellular origin and functional classification of breast cancer

Recent publications have classified breast cancers on the basis of expression of cytokeratin-5 and -17 at the RNA and protein levels, and demonstrated the importance of these markers in defining sporadic tumours with bad prognosis and an association with BRCA1-related breast cancers. These important observations using different technology platforms produce a new functional classification of breast carcinoma. However, it is important in developing hypotheses about the pathogenesis of this tumour type to review the nomenclature that is being used to emphasize potential confusion between terminology that defines clinical subgroups and markers of cell lineage. This article reviews the lineages in the normal breast in relation to what have become known as the 'basal-like' carcinomas

Polymorphous adenocarcinoma of the salivary glands : reappraisal and update

Although relatively rare, polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC) is likely the second most common malignancy of the minor salivary glands (MiSG). The diagnosis is mainly based on an incisional biopsy. The optimal treatment comprises wide surgical excision, often with adjuvant radiotherapy. In general, PAC has a good prognosis. Previously, PAC was referred to as polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA), but the new WHO classification of salivary gland tumours has also included under the PAC subheading, the so-called cribriform adenocarcinoma of minor salivary glands (CAMSG). This approach raised controversy, predominantly because of possible differences in clinical behaviour. For example, PLGA (PAC, classical variant) only rarely metastasizes, whereas CAMSG often shows metastases to the neck lymph nodes. Given the controversy, this review reappraises the definition, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, genetics, treatment modalities, and prognosis of PAC of the salivary glands with a particular focus on contrasting differences with CAMSG.Peer reviewe

Adenomyoepithelioma of the breast: A proposal for classification

Breast lesions with a prominent myoepithelial cell component constitute a heterogeneous group of benign and malignant neoplastic proliferations. These lesions are often dual epithelial‐myoepithelial but may be purely myoepithelial cell in nature. Benign epithelial‐myoepithelial lesions typically maintain the morphology and immunophenotype of the normal bilayer epithelial myoepithelial structures. However, the distinction between the two cell components is not always clear‐cut in malignant lesions in which the histogenesis of myoepithelial cells remains uncertain. Neoplastic biphasic epithelial‐myoepithelial lesions of the breast include adenomyoepithelioma (AME), pleomorphic adenoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma. Four histological patterns of classical AME have been described: tubular, lobulated, spindle cell and adenosis variants. Overlapping patterns occur and some AMEs display an intraductal papillary pattern that may represent a fifth variant. AME can be benign or malignant. Classical AME may show atypical features, which are not sufficient for the diagnosis of malignancy (atypical AME). Atypical AME is recognised as a lesion of uncertain malignant potential with limited metastatic capability. Based on the histological features, we propose a classification of malignant AME (M‐AME) into three variants: M‐AME in situ, M‐AME invasive and AME with invasive carcinoma. In this review, we provide an overview of myoepithelial lesions of the breast focusing on the classification of AME to improve not only the consistency of reporting but also help guide further management decision making

Cerebellopontine angle tumours in black South Africans - how rare are acoustic schwannomas?

Previous reports of Intracranial neoplasms from Africa have all shown a very low incidence of acoustic schwannomas (neuromas). In this series a group of 11 cerebellopontine angle solid tumours from black Africans were studied. On conventional histological examination only 3 had the features of a schwannoma. However, by using Immunohistochemistry, a further 3 examples were identified. As controls, the same antisera were also applied to known schwannomas and meningiomas. During the period of the study, 163 patients with primary intracranial neoplasms were seen and thus acoustic schwannomas accounted for 3,7%. Although this figure is low by world standards, it still represents a far higher figure than has previously been reported trom Africa. This study therefore emphasises the value of immunohistochemistry In the diagnosis of brain tumours and, furthermore, shows that acoustic schwannoma must be considered In the appropriate clinical setting, even in a group previously regarded as low-risk.S Afr Med J 1990; 78: 11-1