Case of clear-cell oncocytoma of parotid gland and literature review.

Oncocytoma is a benign tumor of the salivary gland. Its incidence is very low and very seldom documen-ted in literature. Clear-cell dominant oncocytoma is even less common. The tumor's clinical symptoms and imaging results are nonspecific, so distinguishing other salivary gland tumors (such as oncocytic carcinoma) from clear-cell renal carcinoma is difficult, possibly leading to misdiagnosis and maltreatment. Here, a case of clear-cell dominant oncocytoma was presented, and the relevant literature was evaluated to investigate the diagnosis and management of clear-cell dominant oncocytoma.

Scars Run Deep: Problematic Morphology and Immunoprofile of Scars in Renal Oncocytomas.

In some instances, the central scar of renal oncocytoma can demonstrate entrapped cells with unusual morphology and aberrant immunoprofile creating potential diagnostic confusion. Herein, 100 renal oncocytomas containing scars with embedded epithelial cells were identified from 6 institutions, including nephrectomies (64% partial, 36% radical) of similar laterality (left = 51%) and sex distribution (male = 56%), with patient ages ranging from 38 to 86 years (mean = 64.3years) and tumor sizes ranging from 2 to 16 cm (mean = 5.3 cm). Immunohistochemistry was performed on all tumors for KRT7, KIT, vimentin, and CA9 with staining intensity and extensity separately analyzed. Of 4 architectural patterns of cells within the scar, 60% showed tubular pattern. Of 4 cytologies within the scar, flat/elongated (49%) and cuboidal cells (40%) predominated. Within the scar, 62% showed eosinophilic cytoplasm, with 38% showing both cleared and eosinophilic cytoplasm; notably, 79% showed higher grade nuclei than typical oncocytes. A subset of scar cells showed mucinous-like basophilic secretions (19%). Compared to background renal oncocytoma, tumor cells within the scar were more often positive for vimentin, KRT7, and CA9 and more frequently negativity for KIT. Specifically, of the notable "aberrant" immunoprofiles, 79% showed KRT7 positivity/KIT negativity/vimentin positive, 84% showed vimentin positivity/CA9 positivity, and 78% showed KIT negativity/vimentin positivity/CA9 positivity. While encountering scars within renal oncocytomas is not uncommon, what is not well appreciated is the unique morphology and immunohistochemistry of tumor cells within the scar. Comparing tumor morphology and immunoprofile of the scar to the background oncocytoma is helpful to avoid interpretative confusion.

[Morphological and molecular portrait hybrid renal tumors].

A hybrid tumor is not officially included in the latest International Histological Classification of Kidney Tumors (WHO, 2022), however, according to the literature, a number of researchers still consider a hybrid tumor as an independent nosological unit. In this regard, the development of morphological and molecular genetic criteria for a hybrid tumor, today, is the main task in the differential diagnosis of oncocytic renal tumors. AIM: Our aim was to carry out to identify immunohistochemical, ultrastructural features and determine the molecular profile of hybrid renal tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was performed on the surgical material of 12 patients with a hybrid tumor of the kidney. Immunohistochemical study was carried out on paraffin sections according to the standard protocol. Antibodies CK7, CD117, Cyclin D1, EpCAM, Caveolin1, EABA, and S100A1 were used. To study tumor tissues on semi-thin and ultra-thin sections, an electron microscope Philips TECNAI 12 BioTwinD-265 is used. For in situ fluorescent diagnostic detection, defined centromere probes, LSI 13/21, LSI N25 /LSI ARSA and TelVysion telomeric probe. RESULTS: In some cases, a hybrid tumor is represented by a solid structure of monomorphic oxyphilic cells with a characteristic immuno-, ultraphenotype and molecular profile. CONCLUSION: The results of a comprehensive study confirm that the hybrid tumor is an intermediate link in the process of malignant transformation of oncocytoma into chromophobe renal cell carcinoma.

Characterization of Intercalated Cell Markers KIT and LINC01187 in Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma and Other Renal Neoplasms.

Introduction. Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chromophobe RCC) is the third major subcategory of renal tumors after clear cell RCC and papillary RCC, accounting for approximately 5% of all RCC subtypes. Other oncocytic neoplasms seen commonly in surgical pathology practice include the eosinophilic variant of chromophobe RCC, renal oncocytoma, and low-grade oncocytic unclassified RCC. Methods. In our recent next-generation sequencing based study, we nominated a lineage-specific novel biomarker LINC01187 (long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 1187) which was found to be enriched in chromophobe RCC. Like KIT (cluster of differentiation 117; CD117), a clinically utilized chromophobe RCC related biomarker, LINC01187 is expressed in intercalated cells of the nephron. In this follow-up study, we performed KIT immunohistochemistry and LINC01187 RNA in situ hybridization (RNA-ISH) on a cohort of chromophobe RCC and other renal neoplasms, characterized the expression patterns, and quantified the expression signals of the two biomarkers in both primary and metastatic settings. Results. LINC01187, in comparison to KIT, exhibits stronger and more uniform expression within tumors while maintaining temporal and spatial consistency. LINC01187 also is devoid of intra-tumoral heterogeneous expression pattern, a phenomenon commonly noted with KIT. Conclusions. LINC01187 expression can augment the currently utilized KIT assay and help facilitate easy microscopic analyses in routine surgical pathology practice.

LOT and HOT or not. The proliferation of clinically insignificant and poorly characterised types of renal neoplasia.

The classification of malignant tumours is influenced by both immunohistochemical and molecular genetic findings. This is highlighted in the latest World Health Organization classification of renal neoplasia, which has a tumour category of 'tumours that are molecularly defined'. This implies that the defining molecular features are integral to tumourigenesis, which may not necessarily be the case. Renal oncocytoma is recognised as a benign tumour with variable morphology and immunoexpression. A variant of these tumours is hybrid oncocytic chromophobe tumour, which has features of both oncocytoma and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma and may, on rare occasions, show malignant behaviour. Recent reports have proposed two further entities with eosinophilic cytoplasm and varying nuclear pleomorphism, designated low grade oncocytic tumour (LOT) and eosinophilic vacuolated tumour (EVT), formally known as high grade oncocytic tumour (HOT). The diagnosis of these apparently benign tumours was made on the basis of morphological and immunohistochemical features. More recently it has been claimed that the mutations in the mTOR pathway are also a diagnostic feature and it is further suggested that these mutations are key to the pathogenesis of these tumours. As is seen in oncocytoma, immunohistochemical expression of tumours included in series of LOT and EVT is variable. The mutations in the mTOR pathway, where detected, were not constant, with any combination of mTOR, TSC1 and/or TSC2 being involved. A major issue is that in many of the studies full comparative genomic hybridisation results are not presented. In addition it is well recognised that mTOR mutations are seen in a variety of renal tumours. In view of these conflicting results, the rarity of these tumours and their apparent benign nature, raises questions as to why these tumours should be considered specific entities.

A Case of Oncocytic Adrenal Cortical Neoplasm with Uncertain Malignant Potential Turned Out to Be Oncocytic Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma with Distant Metastasis: Could Pathology Do Better Initially?

Oncocytic adrenal cortical neoplasms are rare cases and are divided into oncocytoma, oncocytic neoplasms of uncertain malignant potential and oncocytic adrenal cortical carcinomas, based on the Lin-Weiss-Bisceglia (LWB) histological system adopted in the current World Health Organization (WHO). We reported a 42-year-old female diagnosed with an oncocytic neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential initially, which turned out to be a carcinoma owing to distant metastasis to the scalp and lung. To our knowledge, this is the first published case of oncocytic adrenal cortical carcinoma with scalp metastasis. This case also highlights the limitation of the current diagnostic algorithm and emphasizes the importance of two parameters (PHH3 and Ki-67) for determining the malignant potential of oncocytic adrenal cortical neoplasms.

Low grade oncocytic tumors of the kidney: a clinically relevant approach for the workup and accurate diagnosis.

Renal oncocytoma and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma were accepted as unique renal tumors in the late 1990s. Since their formal description, criteria for diagnosis have evolved and additional distinct tumor subtypes originally considered as one these two entities are now recognized. The last two decades have witnessed unprecedented interest in the spectrum of low grade oncocytic renal neoplasms in three specific areas: (1) histologic characterization of tumors with overlapping morphologic features between oncocytoma and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma; (2) description of potentially unique entities within this spectrum, such as eosinophilic vacuolated tumor and low-grade oncocytic tumor; and (3) better appreciation of the association between a subset of low grade oncocytic tumors and hereditary renal neoplasia. While this important work has been academically rewarding, the proposal of several histologic entities with overlapping morphologic and immunophenotypic features (which may require esoteric adjunctive immunohistochemical and/or molecular techniques for confirmation) has created frustration in the diagnostic pathology and urology community as information evolves regarding classification within this spectrum of renal neoplasia. Pathologists, including genitourinary subspecialists, are often uncertain as to the "best practice" diagnostic approach to such tumors. In this review, we present a practical clinically relevant algorithmic approach to classifying tumors within the low grade oncocytic family of renal neoplasia, including a proposal for compressing terminology for evolving categories where appropriate without sacrificing prognostic relevance.

Oncocytic adrenal cortical neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential - A rare case report.

Adrenal oncocytic tumors are rarely encountered. Most of the oncocytic tumors are benign and rarely malignant. Here we report a case of a 10-year-old male child presented with abdominal mass whose Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) shows well-circumscribed tumor. Right adrenalectomy was carried out. Histopathologically, it was diagnosed as adrenal cortical oncocytic neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential (AONUMP). This case highlights that although adrenal oncoytic tumors are rare, we should consider this as a differential diagnosis while evaluating the patient for adrenal masses. The case is presented in view of its rarity, and distinguishing gross and microscopy appearance, the diagnosis of which was further confirmed with immunohistochemistry markers.

The Histologic Diversity of Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma With Emphasis on Challenges Encountered in Daily Practice.

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChRCC) is the third most common renal cell carcinoma in adults. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview highlighting the broad morphologic spectrum of ChRCC, and offer a practical approach for handling cases in daily practice. For the purpose of this review, we classify ChRCC subtypes as (1) classic, (2) eosinophilic, (3) sarcomatoid, and (4) other rare patterns. The concept of eosinophilic ChRCC has significantly evolved, yet it still is one of the major diagnostic challenges pathologists face in routine practice due to its morphologic overlap with renal oncocytoma. Rare patterns of ChRCC have been described over the last few decades, showing a wide histologic spectrum including those with adenomatoid microcystic pigmented, multicystic, neuroendocrine, small cell, and papillary features. ChRCC represents a heterogenous group of neoplasms, demonstrating varied but unique morphologic and genetic profiles. Although the field of ChRCC knowledge is still evolving, rare patterns can present diagnostic challenges if they are not known to pathologists and/or clinicians. Proper and generous tumor sampling along with careful histologic examination allow for recognition of these rare morphologies. The role of routine molecular testing appears to be limited. From a clinical management standpoint, the rare patterns of ChRCC seem to have no definite clinical implications at present and likely can be managed similarly to usual ChRCC. Finally, we will discuss distinctive novel/emerging renal neoplasms previously considered under the spectrum of ChRCC, low-grade oncocytic renal tumor and eosinophilic vacuolated tumor, with regard to their current significance and implications for future classification strategies.

Renal Oncocytoma: The Diagnostic Challenge to Unmask the Double of Renal Cancer.

Renal oncocytoma represents the most common type of benign neoplasm that is an increasing concern for urologists, oncologists, and nephrologists due to its difficult differential diagnosis and frequent overtreatment. It displays a variable neoplastic parenchymal and stromal architecture, and the defining cellular element is a large polygonal, granular, eosinophilic, mitochondria-rich cell known as an oncocyte. The real challenge in the oncocytoma treatment algorithm is related to the misdiagnosis due to its resemblance, at an initial radiological assessment, to malignant renal cancers with a completely different prognosis and medical treatment. Unfortunately, percutaneous renal biopsy is not frequently performed due to the possible side effects related to the procedure. Therefore, the majority of oncocytoma are diagnosed after the surgical operation via partial or radical nephrectomy. For this reason, new reliable strategies to solve this issue are needed. In our review, we will discuss the clinical implications of renal oncocytoma in daily clinical practice with a particular focus on the medical diagnosis and treatment and on the potential of novel promising molecular biomarkers such as circulating microRNAs to distinguish between a benign and a malignant lesion.

Unclassified Oncocytic Renal Neoplasm with Rib and Liver Metastases: Metastatic Oncocytoma?

Renal tumors with oncocytic or chromophobe-like morphology can be a common source of diagnostic difficulty. In some series, they constitute the largest group of unclassified renal cell carcinomas, a term used for neoplasms that do not fit the current classification of renal tumors. We describe the histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular findings of an eosinophilic renal neoplasm which presented with rib and liver metastases, and provide a review of the literature. The possibility of a renal oncocytoma with metastases was initially considered but excluded on the basis of several morphological and immunohistochemical features. Additionally, the tumor did not correspond with other traditional or newly emerging categories of renal neoplasms. It was therefore regarded as an unclassified oncocytic renal neoplasm which demonstrated evidence of malignant potential due to the presence of multiple metastases.

Small cell variant of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma: Clinicopathologic and molecular-genetic analysis of 10 cases.

The morphologic diversity of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChRCC) is well-known. Aside from typical morphology, pigmented adenomatoid, multicystic and papillary patterns have been described. Ten cases of CHRCC composed of small cell population in various percentages were analysed, using morphologic parameters, immunohistochemistry and next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing. Patients were five males and five females, with age ranging from 40 to 78years. The size of tumors ranged from 2.2 cm to 11 cm (mean 5.17 cm). Small cell component comprised 10 to 80% of the tumor volume, while the remaining was formed by cells with classic ChRCC morphology. The immunohistochemical profile of the small cell component was consistent with typical ChRCC immunophenotype, with CD117 and CK7 positivity. Neuroendocrine markers were negative. Mutations of 13 genes were found: DCIER1, FGFR3, JAK3, SUFO, FAM46C, FANCG, MET, PLCG2, APC, POLE, EPICAM, MUTYH and AR. However, only the PLCG2 mutation is considered pathogenic.The small cell variant of ChRCC further highlights and expand upon existing morphologic heterogeneity spectrum. Recognition of small cell variant of CHRCC is not problematic in tumors, where the "classic" CHRCC component is present. However, in limited material (i.e., core biopsy), this may present a diagnostic challenge. Based on the limited follow-up data available, it appears that the small cell tumor component had no impact on prognosis, since there was no aggressive behavior documented.   Awareness of this unusual pattern and applying additional sections to find classic morphology of ChRCC, as well as excluding neuroendocrine nature by immunohistochemistry, may help resolve difficult cases.

Feminizing adrenocortical oncocytoma presenting as precocious puberty: a case report and literature review.

OBJECTIVES: Feminizing adrenal tumors are rare in childhood. We present a case of a special category of adrenal tumor, an oncocytoma, causing isosexual peripheral precocity. CASE PRESENTATION: A 4-year old girl presented with breast development and menstrual bleeding over a period of 3-4 months. Her SMR staging was breast stage 4, pubic hair stage 3. Her bone age was advanced (6 year 10 months), stimulated LH 0.7 IU/L, estradiol 206 pmol/L and DHEAS >27.1 micromol/L. CT scan revealed a right adrenal mass with features of atypical adrenal adenoma. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was done and histopathology revealed oncocytoma. Lin-Weiss-Bisceglia criteria classified it as likely benign, borne out till a 2 year follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Adrenal oncocytoma can be a cause of isosexual peripheral precocity in a young girl. Recognition and correct classification of this histological variant, which is more often benign, is important for prognostication and choice of therapy after surgery.

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.

Oncocytoma-Related Gene Signature to Differentiate Chromophobe Renal Cancer and Oncocytoma Using Machine Learning.

Publicly available gene expression datasets were analyzed to develop a chromophobe and oncocytoma related gene signature (COGS) to distinguish chRCC from RO. The datasets GSE11151, GSE19982, GSE2109, GSE8271 and GSE11024 were combined into a discovery dataset. The transcriptomic differences were identified with unsupervised learning in the discovery dataset (97.8% accuracy) with density based UMAP (DBU). The top 30 genes were identified by univariate gene expression analysis and ROC analysis, to create a gene signature called COGS. COGS, combined with DBU, was able to differentiate chRCC from RO in the discovery dataset with an accuracy of 97.8%. The classification accuracy of COGS was validated in an independent meta-dataset consisting of TCGA-KICH and GSE12090, where COGS could differentiate chRCC from RO with 100% accuracy. The differentially expressed genes were involved in carbohydrate metabolism, transcriptomic regulation by TP53, beta-catenin-dependent Wnt signaling, and cytokine (IL-4 and IL-13) signaling highly active in cancer cells. Using multiple datasets and machine learning, we constructed and validated COGS as a tool that can differentiate chRCC from RO and complement histology in routine clinical practice to distinguish these two tumors.

A case of a borderline adrenal oncocytoma in a 62-year old female.

INTRODUCTION: Adrenal oncocytomas are a rare pathology and only about 160 cases have been reported in the literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe the case of a 62-year old female with an incidentaloma found in the right adrenal gland on a CT scan. Endocrine testing showed a non-secreting lesion. An MRI was performed to get a more precise diagnosis. It excluded a simple adenoma and a malignant tumor had to be suspected. Open adrenalectomy was performed, and pathology results confirmed a borderline adrenal oncocytoma. DISCUSSION: Oncocytomas are usually found in the kidneys, salivary glands, parathyroid, lung, pituitary gland, and ovaries. It is important to differentiate them from, for example, pheochromocytomas, adrenal cortical carcinoma, and metastasis. Most oncocytomas are non-functioning (17% are functional). Usually, they are found as incidentalomas on a CT or MRI scan. The only way to confirm the diagnosis at present is pathological examination. Bisceglia and his colleagues have proposed a new system to classify adrenal oncocytomas. The presence of one major criterion indicates malignancy, the presence of one to four minor criteria is indicative of uncertain potential. The absence of all major and minor criteria indicates benign behavior. Treatment options are open surgery, laparoscopic surgery and rarely robotic surgery. CONCLUSION: An adrenal oncocytoma remains a rare diagnosis and has a wide array of differential diagnosis. It should be treated by surgical removal and a close follow up is suggested. More research should be done regarding diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.