Papillary thyroid carcinoma with aggressive fused follicular and solid growth pattern: A unique histological subtype with high-grade malignancy?

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is usually indolent; however, some rare subtypes of PTCs, such as columnar cell and hobnail subtypes, carry poor prognosis as an intermediate malignancy between differentiated carcinoma and anaplastic carcinoma. We present the case of a 56-year-old Japanese woman having PTC with aggressive behavior showing characteristic histological features of a predominantly fused follicular and focally solid (FFS) pattern. The fused follicular pattern is cribriform-like without intermingled vessels. This PTC with FFS pattern included frequent mitotic figures, necrosis, lymphovascular invasion, and metastases with high clinical stage. The tumor cells were broadly positive for antibodies to TTF-1, PAX8, and bcl-2, and negative for cyclin D1. Ki-67 labeling index was approximately 10%, and there was occasional positivity of p53. Targeted next generation sequencing analysis only detected a NRAS mutation (Q61K); there was no mutation and no translocation of other genes including BRAF and RET/PTC. To our knowledge, this is first report that PTC shows aggressive FFS growth pattern. The tumor is possibly included in the new category of differentiated high-grade thyroid carcinoma in the World Health Organization 2022 classification, or in a novel subtype of PTC owing to its characteristic histological feature and intermediate malignancy between differentiated carcinoma and anaplastic carcinoma.

Clinicopathological features of primary thyroid Burkitt's lymphoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Primary thyroid Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) is an extremely rare and highly aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; only isolated case reports are available for patients with this disease. METHODS: We analyzed the clinicopathological features of thyroid BL by conducting a meta-analysis of 21 known patients (including ours) and compared them to those of extrathyroidal BL. RESULTS: There were 13 men and 8 women with a median age of 39.3 years (range, 6-75 years). The median follow-up was 46.5 months (range, 0.5-361 months). Six patients (28.6%) had stage I disease, 2 (9.5%) had stage II, 2 (9.5%) had stage III, and 11 (52.4%) had stage IV. Five of 7 tested patients with thyroid BL (71.4%) had histological evidence of underlying Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Ki-67 labeling indices exceeding 90% in all 19 patients tested (100%). Fluorescence in situ hybridization performed on 12 patient samples revealed that all (100%) had MYC rearrangement. Among the 16 patients for whom follow-up data were available, 4 died of disease-related causes. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the 12- and 60-month overall survival rates for patients with thyroid BL were 87.5 and 70.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Ours was the largest study of thyroid BL and its detailed clinicopathological features to date. Thyroid BL is not associated with underlying Epstein-Barr virus infection but is closely linked to Hashimoto's thyroiditis; patients generally have good overall survival and respond well to intensive chemotherapy. The correct pathological diagnosis is essential for treatment selection and outcome improvement.

IL-17A induces heterogeneous macrophages, and it does not alter the effects of lipopolysaccharides on macrophage activation in the skin of mice.

Macrophages are central to inflammatory response and become polarized towards the M1 or M2 states upon activation by immunostimulants. In this study, we investigated the effects of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and interleukin (IL)-17A on the activation of macrophages in in vivo mouse skin. We examined whether macrophages are activated in the skin of imiquimod (IMQ)-treated mice, a model for IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation, and flaky-tail (Flg ft ) mice, a model for IL-17A-induced chronic atopic dermatitis-like skin inflammation. LPS and IL-17A independently increased the expression levels of iNOS, CX3CR1, CD206, phospho-STAT1 and phospho-STAT3 proteins in the skin of B6 mice, and the effects of LPS was not altered by IL-17A. The expression levels of these proteins were increased in the skin of IMQ-treated and Flg ft mice. IL-17A neutralization increased the expressions of iNOS and phospho-STAT1 in the IMQ-treated skin, but it decreased the expressions of CD206 and phospho-STAT3 proteins in the skin of Flg ft mice, suggesting that macrophages to change from the M2 to the M1 state in the skin of these mice. These results suggest that IL-17A is involved in the activation of macrophages that are in the process of adopting the heterogeneous profiles of both the M1 and M2 states.

Tumor Spread Through Air Spaces Is an Independent Predictor of Recurrence-free Survival in Patients With Resected Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Tumor spread through air spaces (STAS) is a newly recognized pattern of invasion in lung adenocarcinoma. However, clinical significance of STAS has not yet been characterized in lung squamous cell carcinoma. In this study, we investigated whether STAS could determine clinical outcome in Japanese patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma. We reviewed tumor slides from surgically resected lung squamous cell carcinomas (n=216). STAS was defined as tumor cells within air spaces in the lung parenchyma beyond the edge of the main tumor. Tumors were evaluated for histologic subtypes, tumor budding, and nuclear diameter. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was analyzed using the log-rank test and the Cox proportional hazards model. Tumor STAS was observed in 87 patients (40%), increasing incidence with lymph node metastasis (P=0.037), higher pathologic stage (P=0.026), and lymphatic invasion (P=0.033). All cases with STAS showed a solid nest pattern. The 5-year RFS for patients with STAS was significantly lower than it was for patients without STAS in all patients (P=0.001) and in stage I patients (n=134; P=0.041). On multivariate analysis, STAS was an independent prognostic factor of a worse RFS (hazard ratio=1.61; P=0.023). Patients with STAS had a significantly increased risk of developing locoregional and distant recurrences (P=0.012 and 0.001, respectively). We found that tumor STAS was an independent predictor of RFS in patients with resected lung squamous cell carcinoma, and it was associated with aggressive tumor behavior.

A Grading System Combining Tumor Budding and Nuclear Diameter Predicts Prognosis in Resected Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

For lung squamous cell carcinomas, there are no histologic findings that have been universally accepted as prognostic factors. Tumor budding and nuclear grade have been recognized as prognostic factors in other carcinomas. In this study, we investigated whether pathologic findings could determine clinical outcome in Japanese patients with lung squamous cell carcinomas. Tumor slides from surgically resected lung squamous cell carcinomas (1999 to 2012) were reviewed (n=216). Tumors were evaluated for histologic subtypes, differentiation, tumor budding, nuclear diameter, and mitosis. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using the log-rank test and the Cox proportional hazards model. Tumor budding and large nuclei were independent prognostic factors of a worse RFS (P<0.001 and P=0.002, respectively) and a worse OS (P<0.001 and P=0.038, respectively) on multivariate analysis after adjustment for pathologic stage and lymphatic invasion. However, histologic subtypes, differentiation, and mitotic count did not correlate with prognosis. A grading system combining tumor budding and nuclear diameter was an independent prognostic factors of a worse RFS (grade 2 vs. 1, hazard ratio [HR]=2.91; P<0.001, and grade 3 vs. 1, HR=7.60, P<0.001) and a worse OS (grade 2 vs. 1, HR=2.15; P=0.014, and grade 3 vs. 1, HR=4.54, P<0.001). We found that a grading system combining tumor budding and nuclear diameter was a significant prognostic factor among Japanese patients with resected lung squamous cell carcinoma.

Nuclear grade based on transbronchial cytology is an independent prognostic factor in patients with advanced, unresectable non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: In patients with resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the prognostic value of nuclear grade has been demonstrated. However, among patients with advanced, unresectable NSCLC, the prognostic usefulness of cytological nuclear grade to the authors' knowledge remains unknown. In the current study, the authors used transbronchial cytology to investigate whether nuclear morphometry correlated with clinical outcomes in patients with advanced NSCLC. METHODS: The authors reviewed patients with advanced, unresectable NSCLC who were diagnosed on transbronchial cytology and were treated at the study institution from 2007 through 2015 (97 patients). Nuclear morphometry (including major diameter) was assessed by an image analysis system and small lymphocytes were used as a reference. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and multivariate analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: In the multivariate analysis, according to the nuclear major diameter as assessed by an image analysis system, a nuclear major diameter >15 µm was an independent prognostic factor of worse OS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.05; P = .003) and PFS (HR, 1.04; P = 0.011). According to the nuclear major diameter as assessed by small lymphocytes, a major diameter of >5 small lymphocytes was an independent prognostic factor of worse OS (HR, 1.32; P<.001) and PFS (HR, 1.20; P = 0.001). A moderately significant correlation between nuclear diameter measurements by an image analysis system and small lymphocytes was observed (P<.001; correlation coefficient, 0.662). CONCLUSIONS: Nuclear grade based on nuclear diameter was found to be independently associated with prognosis in patients with advanced, unresectable NSCLC. Cancer Cytopathol 2016;124:630-40. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Cytopathological features of villous adenoma of the urinary bladder in urine: A rare case report.

Villous adenoma of the urinary bladder is a rare tumor that histologically mimics its enteric counterpart. Patients with an isolated villous adenoma have an excellent prognosis, but associated adenocarcinomas can frequently be identified in them as well. There is no literature that discusses the cytopathologic features of villous adenoma. Here we report a case which was diagnosed as villous adenoma histologically, which has been followed up with urine cytology. In urine cytology, many mucin producing cells are recognized. Few cell clusters show glandular formation or arrangement along the basement membrane. When glandular cells with columnar mucin-filled goblet cells are seen in urine cytology, the presence of a primary glandular lesion of the urinary bladder, such as villous adenoma, should be considered possible. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:632-635. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Is yolk sac tumor related to the pathophysiology of low birthweight?

An 8-year-old Japanese girl was admitted with an ovarian yolk sac tumor. Regarding birth history, the patient had been delivered by cesarean section at 25 weeks of gestation with a birthweight of 711g. She had required neonatal intensive care including oxygenation, various medications, and tests. After surgery and chemotherapy, there was no recurrence for 2 years, at the time of writing. Yolk sac tumor, which is a malignant germ cell tumor, is rare in children. Although the cause and risk factors are unclear, it has been reported that malignant germ cell tumors in childhood have been associated with pathophysiology at birth. Given that premature infants are more likely to survive due to advances in perinatal care, it is expected that such cases will increase in the near future. We suggest that children born prematurely require careful follow up.

Submucosal Endoscopic Sampling for Indefinite Gastric Linitis Plastica Infiltrating into the Submucosal Layer.

The diagnosis of diffuse-type gastric cancer, named linitis plastica (LP), is difficult because of its infiltration into the submucosa. Conventional endoscopic biopsy sampling may show false-negative results because the superficial mucosa is often normal. These macroscopic features do not often permit the distinction between benign and malignant lesions, and sampling methods have some limitations. Accordingly, a secure sampling method is required in order to increase the diagnostic yield. We have developed a submucosal tunneling technique for sampling submucosal tumors, which can visualize tumor surfaces and obtain tissue samples under direct vision. We report a rare case of indefinite gastric LP that could be diagnosed by this method. As multiple biopsies and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) did not help us histologically diagnose the lesion, our new method of submucosal endoscopy which has advantages of visualizing tumor surfaces and obtaining tissue samples under direct vision in the submucosa was introduced. Histological examination of all acquired samples confirmed the presence of a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The present case demonstrates that this method is a reasonable option for indefinite LP with features inflating into submucosa, providing an update on the contemporary concepts.

Low-grade cylindromatous adnexal carcinoma with unusual histopathological features: report of a case with comparative immunohistochemical study and meta-analysis of the literature.

We present an extremely rare case of low-grade cylindromatous adnexal carcinoma (CAC) on the right chest wall of a 77-year-old man. Histopathologically, the neoplasm was initially diagnosed as a cylindroma that developed over the course of 13 years. A diagnosis of low-grade CAC was rendered after the documentation of a local recurrence and histopathology of the recurrent tumor. To further assess the evolution of low-grade CAC over time, we compared the morphology, mitotic account, proliferative markers and adhesion molecule immunoreactivity among paired primary and recurrent tumors. Unlike those earlier reported, our case showed the maintenance of tumor morphology after a recurrence without areas of obvious malignant transformation or metaplastic change. We showed here for the first time the expression of adhesion molecules of CAC/spiradenoma and a comparison of proliferation indices between a primary tumor and its local recurrence. This peculiar tumor differs from previously reported cases and harbors a malignant potential although the histopathological features of malignancy are subtle. Our meta-analysis of the literature provided background information regarding this rare entity. Alterations of E-cadherin and GCDFP-15 expression may provide additional helpful clues in differential diagnosis and determining the clinical behavior of this unusual neoplasm. Further studies are warranted to confirm the potential discriminative role of these markers.

Pilomyxoid astrocytoma of the pineal region: cytopathological features and differential diagnostic considerations by intraoperative smear preparation.

Pilomyxoid astrocytoma (PMA) is a recently identified type of pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) with shorter progression-free and overall survival, higher rate of recurrence, and higher risk of leptomeningeal spread compared to pilocytic tumors (WHO grade 2 designation). A case is presented here in which intraoperative imprint smears of a pineal region tumor in a 14-year-old girl revealed cytologic monomorphism, elongated cells with bland nuclei embedded in a myxoid background. The tumor cells possessed uniformly round nuclei with a smooth nuclear outline, fine granular chromatin, and small nucleoli. Slender cytoplasmic fibrillary processes and angiocentric arrangement were observed but Rosenthal fibers or eosinophilic granular bodies were absent. A cytologic diagnosis of PMA of the pineal region was suggested by intraoperative smear preparation. Histology and immunohistochemical results confirmed the final diagnosis. This report shows that smear preparation can be trustworthy for the intraoperative diagnosis of PMA, helping to determine the appropriate neurosurgical procedure and therapeutic implications.

Cytopathologic characteristics and differential diagnostic considerations of osteolytic myxopapillary ependymoma.

Myxopapillary ependymoma (MPE) is a rare variant of conventional ependymoma found predominantly in the sacrococcygeal region in young adults and characterized by its distinct epithelial and stromal components (WHO grade I designation). MPE with extensive osteolysis is extremely uncommon and only up to 40 cases have been documented. A case is presented here in which imprint smears of a sacral tumor in an 18-year-old man revealed complex papillary structures, small loose clusters, or cord-like structures of bland tumor cells embedded in a myxoid or mucinous background. The tumor cells possessed uniformly round nuclei with a smooth nuclear outline, fine granular chromatin, and small nucleoli. Slender cytoplasmic fibrillary processes and occasional intracytoplasmic vacuoles were observed. A cytologic diagnosis of a MPE was suggested and histochemical and immunohistochemical studies were conducted on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded material. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells showed diffuse and strong membranous and cytoplasmic staining for cytokeratin AE1/AE3, glial fibrillary protein, and S-100 protein, but negative for epithelial membrane antigen, pan-neuroendocrine markers (i.e., NSE, chromogranin A, synaptophysin), or brachyury. The proliferative index with MIB-1 was around 10%. The diagnosis of osteolytic MPE was confirmed based on cytopathologic, histopathological, immunohistochemical results, radiologic findings, and the location of the tumor. We demonstrated here the cytopathological features of osteolytic MPE with emphasis on differential diagnostic considerations.

[Composite lymphoma cosisting of mantle cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma].

Herein, we report the case of a 56-year-old man with composite lymphoma (CL) comprised of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL). Six months after developing a right brachial tumor, he was diagnosed as having grade 3 FL with normal-size mantle zone. Simultaneously, advanced stage MCL with a diffuse growth pattern in a sigmoid colon tumor and abnormal lymphoid cells in bone marrow were observed. Thereafter, the right brachial tumor was re-examined and its mantle zone cells were immunophenotypically positive for cyclin D1 (CCND1) and cytogenetically positive for the IgH-CCND1 fusion gene. Consequently, he was diagnosed with composite lymphoma (CL) comprised of FL and MCL. As MCL and FL may form CL, the possible complication of MCL should be considered and steps taken to detect MCL.

Deranged epidermal differentiation in kl/kl mouse and the effects of ßKlotho siRNA on the differentiation of HaCaT cells.

Mice deficient in the klotho gene (kl/kl mice) display the phenotypes of human ageing. We found that the expression of epidermal differentiation-associated factors (keratin 1, keratin 10, filaggrin and loricrin) was lower in the skin of kl/kl mice than that of wild-type mice. In vitro experiments showed that the expression of ßKlotho, a family of klotho gene-encoded protein, was induced concomitantly with the differentiation of an immortalized human epidermal keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT cells) when they were cultured in an air-liquid interface. ßKlotho knockdown by small interfering ribonucleic acid suppressed the expression of the above differentiation-associated factors in HaCaT cells. ßKlotho small interfering ribonucleic acid increased the expression of keratin 14, which is expressed in mitotically active basal layer cells, and activated p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein kinase in the HaCaT cells grown in the air-liquid interface. These findings suggest that the epidermal differentiation is deranged in kl/kl mice, and ßKlotho is required for the differentiation of human epidermal keratinocytes.