High-Grade Transformation and Carcinosarcoma.

CONTEXT.­: High-grade transformation, previously known as dedifferentiation, in salivary gland carcinoma and carcinosarcoma ex pleomorphic adenoma is a rare phenomenon. It is, however, clinically relevant and affects treatment and prognosis. OBJECTIVE.­: To review the existing literature, describe the histologic and immunophenotypic features, and highlight the diagnostic criteria of high-grade transformation in various salivary gland carcinomas and carcinosarcoma; to review its effect on clinical presentation and prognosis; and to review relevant molecular characteristics and recent concepts and advances. DATA SOURCES.­: Literature search in PubMed using key words such as "high-grade transformation," "dedifferentiation," and "carcinosarcoma" in salivary gland. Relevant articles were reviewed, and additional articles were curated from the references of these articles. CONCLUSIONS.­: High-grade transformation occurs rarely but has a significant impact on prognosis and management. By microscopy, the high-grade area is usually a distinct nodule and shows solid and nested architecture, cellular atypia, high mitotic count, and necrosis. The molecular features are not well established. Carcinosarcoma almost always arises in a pleomorphic adenoma and likely follows an adenoma-carcinoma-sarcoma pathway.

The Journey to Improve the College of American Pathologists Cancer Biomarker Reporting Protocols.

CONTEXT.­: Biomarker reporting has increasingly become a key component of pathology reporting, providing diagnostic, prognostic, and actionable therapeutic data for patient care. OBJECTIVE.­: To expand and improve the College of American Pathologists (CAP) biomarker protocols. DESIGN.­: We surveyed CAP members to better understand the limitations they experienced when reporting cancer biomarker results. A Biomarker Workgroup reviewed the survey results and developed a strategy to improve and standardize biomarker reporting. Drafts of new and revised biomarker protocols were reviewed in both print and electronic template formats during interactive webinars presented to the CAP House of Delegates. Feedback was collected, and appropriate revisions were made to finalize the protocols. RESULTS.­: The first phase of the CAP Biomarker Workgroup saw the development of (1) a new stand-alone general Immunohistochemistry Biomarker Protocol that includes reporting for ER (estrogen receptor), PR (progesterone receptor), Ki-67, HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2), PD-L1 (programmed death ligand-1), and mismatch repair; (2) a new Head and Neck Biomarker Protocol that updates the prior 2017 paper-only version into an electronic template, adding new diagnostic and theranostic markers; (3) a major revision to the Lung Biomarker Protocol to streamline it and add in pan-cancer markers; and (4) a revision to the Colon and Rectum Biomarker Protocol to add HER2 reporting. CONCLUSIONS.­: We have taken a multipronged approach to improving biomarker reporting in the CAP cancer protocols. We continue to review current biomarker reporting protocols to reduce and eliminate unnecessary methodologic details and update with new markers as needed. The biomarker templates will serve as standardized modular units that can be inserted into cancer-reporting protocols.

Molecular-derived risk of malignancy and the related positive call rate of indeterminate thyroid cytology diagnoses as quality metrics for individual cytopathologists.

BACKGROUND: Indeterminate thyroid cytopathology diagnoses represent differing degrees of risk that are corroborated by follow-up studies. However, traditional cytologic-histologic correlation may overestimate the risk of malignancy (ROM) because only a subset of cases undergo resection. Alternatively, some molecular tests provide probability of malignancy data to calculate the molecular-derived risk of malignancy (MDROM) and the positive call rate (PCR). The authors investigated MDROMs and PCRs of indeterminate diagnoses for individual cytopathologists as quality metrics. METHODS: This study was approved by the Department of Pathology Quality Improvement Program. Thyroid cytopathology diagnoses and ThyroSeq v3 results were retrieved for each cytopathologist for a 2-year period with at least 3 years of follow-up for the atypia of undetermined significance (AUS), follicular neoplasia (FN), and follicular neoplasia, oncocytic-type (ONC) cytopathologic diagnoses. MDROMs and PCRs were compared with reference ROMs and cytologic-histologic correlation outcomes. RESULTS: The overall MDROMs (and ranges for cytopathologists) for the AUS, FN, and ONC categories were 13.4% (range, 5.8%-20.8%), 28.1% (range, 22.1%-36.7%), and 27.0% (range, 19.5%-41.5%), respectively, and most individual cytopathologists' MDROMs were within reference ROM ranges. However, PCRs more effectively parsed the differences in cytopathologists' ROM performance. Although the overall PCRs were not significantly different across cytopathologists (p = .06), the AUS PCRs were quite different (p = .002). By cytologic-histologic correlation, six of 55 resected cases (10.9%) were falsely negative, and there were no false-positive cases. CONCLUSIONS: MDROMs and PCRs evaluate concordance with reference ROMs and with one another and provide individual feedback, which potentially facilitates quality improvement.

Glomangiosarcoma-like Anaplastic Transformation in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Novel Form of Heterologous Differentiation and a Systematic Review of Heterologous Element Prevalence.

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) demonstrates a wide variety of morphologies and is characteristically associated with a differentiated thyroid carcinoma component. Heterologous differentiation is a rare, potentially challenging phenomenon in ATC, mostly observed as osteosarcomatous or chondrosarcomatous differentiation. We now describe a novel 'glomangiosarcoma-like' differentiation, review our archival experience from two institutions (UPMC, CC), and perform a systematic review for the prevalence of heterologous elements in ATC. The patient is a 57-year-old female who presented with 4.5 cm left thyroid, and 3.4 cm neck masses. Histologically, the thyroid demonstrated a differentiated high grade papillary thyroid carcinoma, tall cell and hobnail/micropapillary subtypes transitioning into an anaplastic component with spindled to ovoid cells with hemangiopericytoma-like vasculature showing CD34 positivity, variable muscle marker expression and pericellular lace-like type IV collagen deposition. The neck mass consisted solely of the latter morphology. Targeted next-generation sequencing was performed on high grade DTC and adjacent ATC from the thyroid as well as ATC from the neck metastasis. All three components shared BRAFV600E, TERT promoter, and PIK3CA mutations confirming a clonal origin. Archival (UPMC: n = 150, CC: n = 74) and literature review showed no prior examples. Systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence showed a baseline pooled prevalence (generalized linear mixed model) of heterologous elements of any type to be 1.6% (95% confidence interval: 1.0-2.6%) for studies where this was specifically addressed. ATC with glomangiosarcoma-like heterologous differentiation is a rarity among an already rare morphologic category with unique diagnostic pitfalls.

Biphenotypic Sinonasal Sarcoma With High-Grade Features: A Diagnostic Challenge.

Biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma (BSNS) is a rare neoplasm of the sinonasal tract. These tumors show neural and myogenic differentiation and are characterized by PAX3 translocations. The immunophenotypic features reflect their dual differentiation. They are low-grade sarcomas that show monomorphic spindle cells in sheets, fascicles, and herringbone patterns and are positive for S100 and smooth muscle actin. These tumors are common in elderly female patients and have a locally aggressive course. High-grade presentation or transformation was not documented until recently. Total 3 BSNSs have now been documented in the literature and we report a fourth tumor with high-grade transformation 8 years after the initial presentation. We identify the morphologic and immunohistochemical features of the high-grade areas and we highlight the stark differences with the low-grade areas based on literature and our specimen. We also discuss the diagnostic challenges that may come up with such a presentation.

New Entities and Concepts in Salivary Gland Tumor Pathology: The Role of Molecular Alterations.

CONTEXT.­: Salivary gland tumors are rare tumor types for which the molecular understanding has resulted in a rapid expansion and shuffling of entities. These changes are reflected in the 5th edition World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumours (WHO 5th edition), although many nuances still remain. OBJECTIVE.­: To review how molecular alterations have helped recategorize, justify, and reinstate entities into our lexicon as well as defining interrelationships between categories, new entities, and subtypes. Furthermore, newer theranostic applications to molecular phenotype will be summarized. DATA SOURCES.­: World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumours (WHO 3rd through 5th editions), literature review, personal and institutional experience. CONCLUSIONS.­: Molecular alterations have helped reclassify, retain, and create new categories by augmenting rather than replacing standard criteria. Key entities that have emerged include sclerosing polycystic adenoma, microsecretory adenocarcinoma, and mucinous adenocarcinoma. Molecular phenotypes solidify the range of morphology in established entities such as mucoepidermoid carcinoma and facilitate connectivity between entities. Molecular characteristics now allow for targeted therapeutic approaches for secretory carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma.

True Oncocytic Acinic Cell Carcinoma: A Case Image.

A 67-year-old female with a history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) presented with right sided otalgia and a 2-3 cm firm, tender right posterior parotid mass. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) established a diagnosis of acinic cell carcinoma (AciCC). Further workup demonstrated lung nodules which were confirmed by FNAB to represent metastatic AciCC. A right radical parotidectomy with sacrifice of the facial nerve, segmental mandibulectomy, and selective neck dissection (levels II-IV) was performed. Microscopically, the tumor displayed an infiltrative border with a solid multinodular growth pattern and fibrosclerotic septation. The tumor was composed mainly of uniform cells with abundant eosinophilic granular cytoplasm with round nuclei with prominent nucleoli. Nuclei were fairly monomorphic, mitotic counts were 3-4 per 2mm2 and there was no necrosis despite the aggressive growth pattern. An anti-mitochondrial immunohistochemical stain showed strong reactivity in the tumor cells, with an internal positive control of adjacent striated ducts. An immunohistochemical stain for NR4A3 demonstrated strong nuclear reactivity in the tumor cells. Electron microscopy highlighted the tumor cells with numerous mitochondria and distinctive electron dense intramitochondrial inclusions. Concurrent CLL/SLL was identified on histologic examination of the lymph nodes, but they were free of AciCC. After eight weeks of follow-up, she tolerated the surgery well and is currently receiving radiation therapy to the parotid and neck. In this illustrative case, we justify the oncocytic designation of AciCC by morphology, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy.

Solitary sclerotic fibroma of the palpebral conjunctiva: a unique presentation of a rare entity.

Sclerotic fibroma (SF) is an uncommon yet benign tumor that may occasionally be associated with Cowden's disease that presents as an asymptomatic, well-circumscribed lesion. We present a rare case of a patient with a solitary SF of the palpebral conjunctiva. The patient was an 85-year-old male who presented with a right lower lid nodule that was initially treated as a chalazion. Excision yielded a dense mass that was sent to pathology for evaluation. Histologically, the lesion showed a bland storiform spindle cell proliferation embedded in a sclerotic stroma with prominent clefting.

Odontogenic Carcinosarcoma: Clinicopathologic and Molecular Features of Three Cases, a Literature Review and Nomenclature Proposal.

BACKGROUND: Odontogenic carcinosarcoma (OCS) is a rare odontogenic malignancy with limited characterization and unexplored molecular features. We report clinicopathologic and molecular findings in 3 additional OCS and review the literature. METHODS: 3 OCS (5.1%) were identified among 59 malignant odontogenic tumors (in our archives from 1992 to 2022). Clinical, radiologic, histopathologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular findings were reviewed. Data from prior case reports and systematic or non-systematic reviews were extracted for analysis. RESULTS: Three mandibular OCS (age range: 66 to 72 years; 1 male, 2 females) were identified. Case 1 had novel clear-cell morphology, multiple recurrences, and a lethal outcome 28 months after resection. EWSR1 rearrangements were negative, but the tumor showed focal nuclear ß-catenin and strong LEF-1 immunoreactivity. Case 2 demonstrated ameloblastic and sclerosing features and encased the inferior alveolar nerve; the patient was disease-free 22 months after resection with adjuvant chemoradiation therapy. LEF-1 was again strongly positive, and next-generation sequencing demonstrated 9p region-(CDKN2A, CDKN2B) copy number loss, and 12q region-(MDM2, CDK4) copy number gain. Case 3 showed clear-cell and markedly sclerosing features; no follow-up information was available. Literature review along with the current cases yielded 20 cases. OCS showed a male predilection (1.5:1), mandibular predominance (80%, typically posterior), and a bimodal age distribution (modes: 27.7 years, 62.7 years). OCS presented as masses (100%), often with pain (55%), and paresthesia (45%). Tumors were typically radiolucent (88.9%), with bone destruction (61.1%), and/or tooth effacement (27.8%). Preoperative biopsy was sensitive for malignancy (85.7%). At least 45% show evidence for a precursor lesion. 3-year DSS and DFS were 58% and 35%, respectively. Regional and distant (usually lung) metastatic rates were 25% and 31.3%, respectively. Increased mitotic rates and presence of tumor necrosis trended toward worse DSS and DFS. CONCLUSION: OCS is a rare but aggressive malignancy, often arising from precursor tumors and may represent a terminal phenotype rather than a distinct entity. We describe novel clear-cell and sclerosing morphologies. Wnt pathway alterations appear important. Mitotic rates and necrosis may be adverse prognosticators. In keeping with nomenclature trends in other sites, OCS may be more appropriately designated as "biphasic sarcomatoid odontogenic carcinomas."

Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Lymphoepithelial Carcinoma Arising in a Salivary Sebaceous Lymphadenoma.

BACKGROUND: Lymphadenomas are rare benign tumors of the major salivary glands that are further classified as sebaceous and non-sebaceous. No association with viruses has been reported so far. Little is known about the mechanisms that allow lymphadenomas to undergo malignant transformation. Among these rare instances, there has never been a malignant transformation to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated lymphoepithelial carcinoma. METHODS: Clinical data of the reported case were retrieved from the patient's electronic medical record. Hematoxylin & eosin-stained slides, immunohistochemical tests, and in situ hybridization performed for routine diagnostic purposes were reviewed. RESULTS: We report a salivary gland sebaceous lymphadenoma in which the luminal components were mostly replaced by malignant epithelial cells with markedly atypical nuclear features. Presence of EBV was demonstrated in all components by EBER. The morphological and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with a lymphoepithelial carcinoma arising from a sebaceous lymphadenoma. CONCLUSION: We report the first case of an Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoepithelial carcinoma arising from a sebaceous lymphadenoma.

NKX3.1 Expression and Molecular Characterization of Secretory Myoepithelial Carcinoma (SMCA): Advancing the Case for a Salivary Mucous Acinar Phenotype.

BACKGROUND: Secretory myoepithelial carcinomas (SMCA) are rare, mucinous, signet ring predominant tumors with primitive myoepithelial features. While many mucinous salivary gland tumors have now been molecularly characterized, key drivers in SMCA have yet to be elucidated. Recently, NKX3.1, a homeodomain transcription factor implicated in salivary mucous acinar development was also shown in a subset of salivary mucinous neoplasms, salivary intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (SG-IPMN). To date, NKX3.1 expression has not been characterized in other mucinous salivary lesions. Here, we report molecular and extended immunophenotypic findings in SMCA and NKX3.1 expression in the context of other head and neck lesions. METHODS: We retrieved 4 previously reported SMCA, performed additional immunohistochemical and targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS). We also investigated the use of NKX3.1 as a marker for SMCA in the context of its prevalence and extent (using H-score) in a mixed cohort of retrospectively and prospectively tested head and neck lesions (n = 223) and non-neoplastic tissues (n = 66). RESULTS: NKX3.1 positivity was confirmed in normal mucous acini as well as in mucous acinar class of lesions (5/6, mean H-score: 136.7), including mucinous adenocarcinomas (3/4), SG-IPMN (1/1), and microsecretory adenocarcinoma (MSA) (1/1). All SMCA were positive. Fluorescence in situ hybridization for SS18 rearrangements were negative in all successfully tested cases (0/3). NGS was successful in two cases (cases 3 and 4). Case 3 demonstrated a PTEN c.655C>T p.Q219* mutation and a SEC16A::NOTCH1 fusion while case 4 (clinically aggressive) showed a PTEN c.1026+1G>A p.K342 splice site variant, aTP53 c.524G>A p.R175H mutation and a higher tumor mutation burden (29 per Mb). PTEN immunohistochemical loss was confirmed in both cases and a subset of tumor cells showed strong (extreme) staining for P53 in Case 4. CONCLUSION: Despite a partial myoepithelial phenotype, SMCA, along with mucinous adenocarcinomas/SG-IPMN and MSA, provisionally constitute a mucous acinar class of tumors based on morphology and NKX3.1 expression. Like salivary mucinous adenocarcinomas/SG-IPMN, SMCA also show alterations of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway and may show progressive molecular alterations. We document the first extramammary tumor with a SEC16A::NOTCH1 fusion.

Association of comprehensive thyroid cancer molecular profiling with tumor phenotype and cancer-specific outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Molecular testing improves the diagnostic accuracy of thyroid cancer. Whether specific molecular testing results are associated with tumor phenotype or provide prognostic information needs further delineation. METHODS: Consecutive thyroid cancer patients after index thyroidectomy with ThyroSeq version 3 (Rye Brook, NY) molecular testing obtained on preoperative fine-needle aspiration or thyroidectomy specimens from patients with thyroid cancer were categorized into 3 molecular risk groups based on detected mutations, fusions, copy number alterations, and/or gene expression alterations and correlated with histopathology and recurrence, defined as biochemical or structural. RESULTS: Of 578 patients, 49.9%, 37.5%, and 12.6% had molecular risk group-low, molecular risk group-intermediate, and molecular risk group-high cancers, respectively. With a median 19-month follow-up, 9.1% patients recurred. Compared with molecular risk group-low, molecular risk group-intermediate cancers were diagnosed in younger patients and more often had microscopic extrathyroidal extension, involved margins, and nodal disease. Compared with molecular risk group-intermediate, molecular risk group-high cancers were diagnosed in older patients and more often had gross extrathyroidal extension and vascular invasion. In multivariable analysis, recurrence was more likely in molecular risk group-high cancers than in molecular risk group-intermediate (hazard ratio = 4.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.9-8.6; P < .001) and more likely in molecular risk group-intermediate than in molecular risk group-low (hazard ratio = 5.0; 95% confidence interval, 2.0-12.5; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Using modern comprehensive genotyping, the genetic profile of thyroid cancers can be categorized into 3 novel molecular risk groups that were associated with histopathologic phenotype and recurrence in short-term follow-up.

A thyroid EIF1AX story: how clinical, cytologic, and molecular surveillance led to appropriate management.

INTRODUCTION: Indeterminate thyroid cytology diagnoses are associated with intermediate risks of malignancy. Application of molecular testing (MT) to indeterminate specimens provides additional diagnostic and prognostic information. While a positive or suspicious MT result may prompt surgery, a negative MT result is associated with a low probability of cancer or noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features and approximates that of a benign cytology diagnosis. Furthermore, ThyroSeq v3 MT has a "currently negative" result for findings with the probability of cancer or noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear feature that is slightly greater than that for the negative ThyroSeq v3 MT result but less than 10%, suggesting active surveillance. In this report, we discuss a case of a patient for whom clinical, cytologic, and molecular surveillance led to timely surgery and management. CLINICAL DETAILS: A 53-year-old man with a thyroid isthmus nodule had a fine-needle aspiration cytology diagnosis of atypia of undetermined significance and a subsequent ThyroSeq v3 MT, which revealed an EIF1AX mutation and a "currently negative" MT result. Surveillance with additional fine-needle aspiration samples demonstrated concerning genomic alterations (fluctuating EIF1AX allelic frequency and a non-V600E BRAF mutation), culminating in the conversion to a positive MT result 3 years later. Resection revealed an encapsulated noninvasive, oncocytic solid subtype of papillary thyroid carcinoma with increased mitotic activity. CONCLUSION: The case is notable for clinical, cytologic, and molecular surveillance demonstrating sequential pathologic alterations in an indeterminate thyroid nodule with EIF1AX mutation, leading to timely resection of the neoplasm before invasion manifested.

Performance of a Multigene Genomic Classifier in Thyroid Nodules with Suspicious for Malignancy Cytology.

Background: Molecular testing is increasingly used to refine the probability of cancer and assess recurrence risk in thyroid nodules with Bethesda III/IV fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology. However, limited data exist for Bethesda V (suspicious for malignancy [SFM]) samples. This study evaluated the performance of ThyroSeq v3 (TSv3) in thyroid nodules with SFM cytology. Methods: In this single-institution retrospective cohort study, consecutive thyroid FNA samples diagnosed as SFM with TSv3 testing and known surgical outcome were identified. Clinical, pathology, and molecular findings were reviewed. The TSv3 Cancer Risk Classifier was used to determine molecular risk groups (MRGs). For test-negative cases diagnosed as cancer/noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features, TSv3 was performed on the resected tumors. Results: Among 128 SFM samples studied, 100 (78.1%) were TSv3 positive, and 28 (21.9%) were negative. The cancer prevalence on surgery was 82.8%. Among test-positive samples, 95% were malignant and 5% benign. Among test-negative samples, 17 (60.7%) were benign and 11 (39.3%) malignant. Overall, TSv3 had a sensitivity of 89.6% (confidence interval; CI 82.4-94.1) and a specificity of 77.3% (CI 56.6-89.9). For a cancer prevalence of 50-75% expected in SFM cytology by the Bethesda system, the negative predictive value was expected to range from 71.2% to 88.1% and the positive predictive value from 79.8% to 92.2%. Among test-positive nodules, 20% were MRG-Low (mostly RAS-like alterations), 66% MRG-Intermediate (mostly BRAF-like alterations), and 14% MRG-High. Among patients with cancer, 65 (61.3%) were American Thyroid Association low risk, 25 (23.6%) intermediate risk, and 6 (5.7%) high risk. During the mean follow-up of 51.2 months (range: <1 to 470 months), 12 (13.0%) patients had disease recurrence, which was more common in MRG-High (54.6%) compared with MRG-Intermediate (9.5%) and MRG-Low (0%) cancers (p < 0.001). Upon reexamining tumors with false-negative results, half of evaluable cases had alterations likely missed due to limiting FNA sampling, and the remainder represented low-risk tumors. Potentially targetable alterations were identified in 10 samples. Conclusions: In this large series of SFM thyroid nodules, TSv3 further improved cancer prediction and detected RAS-like, BRAF-like, high-risk, and potentially targetable alterations, all of which may inform more optimal patient management. MRGs were associated with recurrence-free survival, offering potential preoperative cancer risk stratification.

Sinonasal mixed transitional epithelial-seromucinous papillary glandular neoplasms with BRAF p.V600E mutations - sinonasal analogues to the sialadenoma papilliferum family tumors.

Sinonasal non-intestinal type adenocarcinoma (non-ITAC) is a heterogeneous category that may benefit from improved taxonomy. With the recognition that most non-ITAC are phenotypically seromucinous, stratification may be improved by applying salivary type morphologic criteria and molecular findings. We report two cases of papillary seromucinous adenocarcinoma with sinonasal papilloma-like surface components that show histologic and molecular features analogous to the salivary sialadenoma papilliferum family of tumors. Case 1 concerns a 50-year-old female who presented with a left anterior nasoethmoid polyp, while case 2 is that of a 74 year old female with nasal polyposis. Histologically, both cases demonstrated a surface transitional sinonasal papilloma-like component (more prominent in case 2) with a deeper bilayered glandular component showing papillary and tufted micropapillary growth of monomorphic columnar to cuboidal cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm. Case 1 also showed a deep cribriform/microcystic component. Immunostains showed a delimiting p63/p40 positive basal layer around the SOX-10 positive glandular elements, while the transitional sinonasal papilloma-like components were diffusely p63/p40 positive. Like sialadenoma papilliferum and related tumors, both cases demonstrated BRAF p.V600E mutations in both components and no other alterations. The patients remain disease free at 9 and 19 months respectively. Our cases illustrate a novel sinonasal lesion and suggest that improved morphologic and molecular categorization may refine and reduce the category of non-ITAC.

Blue nevi of the palpebral conjunctiva: report of 2 cases and review of literature.

PURPOSE: To describe two patients with blue nevi of the palpebral conjunctiva and to review the existing literature on common and cellular blue nevi of the conjunctiva. METHODS: Report of two cases and literature review. RESULTS: We present two cases of blue nevi in the palpebral conjunctiva: an atypical cellular blue nevus of the left upper eyelid and a common blue nevus around the lacrimal punctum of the left lower eyelid. Both patients underwent full thickness eyelid excision with wide margins. There was no tumor recurrence at 11 and 4 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Blue nevi are a group of melanocytic tumors that rarely involve the ocular adnexa. They may arise in the palpebral conjunctiva and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pigmented lesions in this location as they can mimic melanoma.

Granular cell tumor of thyroid: a case series with molecular characterization highlighting unique pitfalls.

Primary granular cell tumors (GCTs) of the thyroid are exceptionally rare. We report the clinicopathologic and molecular features of three cases and review the literature. Two patients (20-year-old, Case 1, and 26-year-old, Case 2, black American females) presented with painless masses with a preoperative fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) diagnosis of "Hürthle cell neoplasm," while one additional patient, 51-year-old white American female (Case 3), presented as an incidental finding within a background of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. On resection, morphologic, histochemical and immunohistochemical features were typical of GCT in all cases. Cases 1 and 2 had adequate material for molecular testing and demonstrated a clonal ATP6AP1 p.G381Vfs*15 frameshift mutation (Case 1) and a clonal ATP6AP2 p.L182Pfs*22 frameshift mutation along with a PIK3CA H1047R hotspot mutation (Case 2). All patients showed no evidence of GCT following resection (Cases 1, 3: 96-month follow-up; Case 2: 48-month follow-up). A literature review demonstrates similar clinicopathologic features and indolent course with only rare histologically or clinically aggressive outcomes. On FNAB, lesional cells are frequently miscategorized as Hürthle cells or oncocytes. In summary, GCT of the thyroid is rare but shows similar clinical, morphologic, immunophenotypic and genetic characteristics of GCT of other sites. This unusual site poses unique differential diagnostic pitfalls by mimicking other oncocytic head and neck lesions, particularly thyroid Hürthle cell neoplasms. We confirm that thyroid GCT also harbor V-ATPase component inactivating mutations that characterize these tumors, and that additional PI3K pathway alterations may not necessarily predict aggressive behavior.

Squamoglandular Variant of Acinic Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report of a Novel Variant.

While salivary gland tumors have considerable plasticity, juxtaposition of the morphologies of two named tumor types is rare. Tumors with both mucoepidermoid and serous acinar components, dubbed "mucoacinar" carcinomas were recently characterized, and based on morphologic and molecular features, considered variants of mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Here we describe a unique case of a 59-year-old male with a 0.9 cm right parotid mass with a similar blend of mucoepidermoid-like and acinar elements that instead has a molecular phenotype of acinic cell carcinoma, essentially the reverse of mucoacinar carcinoma. The tumor was fairly well circumscribed with a prominent tumor associated lymphoid response. It consisted of a predominant bland but basaloid squamoid proliferation with scattered pockets of serous acinar differentiation as well as rare mucous cells and tubules. The tumor showed diffuse cytokeratin and DOG1 reactivity as well as p40 expression in the squamoid components. Immunostaining for NR4A3 was diffusely positive, and an NR4A3 rearrangement was noted on fluorescence in situ hybridization, while testing for MAML2 and MSANTD3 rearrangements were negative. Based on these findings, this tumor is best considered a "squamoglandular variant of acinic cell carcinoma." Morphologic and clinical evidence argues against this representing a form of high-grade transformation. While overall bland, the differential diagnosis may include various basaloid tumors in the parotid gland, both primary and metastatic.