Standardised definitions and diagnostic criteria for extranodal extension detected on histopathological examination in head and neck cancer: Head and Neck Cancer International Group consensus recommendations.

Detection of extranodal extension on histopathology in surgically treated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma indicates poor prognosis. However, there is no consensus on the diagnostic criteria, interpretation, and reporting of histology detected extranodal extension, which has contributed to conflicting evidence in the literature, and likely clinical inconsistency. The Head and Neck Cancer International Group conducted a three-round modified Delphi process with a group of 19 international pathology experts representing 15 national clinical research groups to generate consensus recommendations for histology detected extranodal extension diagnostic criteria. The expert panel strongly agreed on terminology and diagnostic features for histology detected extranodal extension and soft tissue metastasis. Moreover, the panel reached consensus on reporting of histology detected extranodal extension and on nodal sampling. These consensus recommendations, endorsed by 19 organisations representing 34 countries, are a crucial development towards standardised diagnosis and reporting of histology detected extranodal extension, and more accurate data collection and analysis.

Characterisation of Kürsteiner canals of parathyroid: imparting relevance to a one-and-a-quarter-century-old concept.

AIMS: Kürsteiner canals (KC) were described at least 125 years ago as pharyngeal pouch embryological remnants of parathyroid and thymic development. While considered precursors for a subset of parathyroid cysts and salivary heterotopias (SH), they remain enigmatic. We now define a comprehensive phenotype of KC remnants and investigate their role in a spectrum of parathyroid lesions. METHODS AND RESULTS: `Sixty-two cystic and 22 non-cystic parathyroid lesions (73 patients) were retrieved from our institutional archive (2011-23) and evaluated for the presence of KC and prevalence of KC phenotype in parathyroid hormone (PTH)-positive and PTH-negative cysts. KC phenotype was defined as: cysts and tubules with surrounding sclerosis; bland, unilayered lining with frequent nuclear indentation of lumina; vesicular chromatin relative to chief cells; attenuated eosinophilic to 'hyper-cleared' cytoplasm; and staining pattern PTH-negative, SOX-10-positive, CK7-positive, GATA-3-positive and PAX-9 dim, a subset with oestrogen/progesterone receptor (ER/PR) positivity. Thirty PTH-negative cysts were identified in the neck/mediastinum; 14 of this group also showed SH. Thirty-two PTH-positive cysts included: 11 cystic parathyroid adenomas, 17 hyperplastic parathyroids, and four carcinomas. KC showed two distinct subtypes and were often found near PTH-negative cysts. PTH-negative cysts were associated with inferior parathyroids, SOX-10 positivity, fibrosclerosis, vesicular nuclei indenting cyst lumina and hyper-cleared or attenuated eosinophilic cytoplasm. CONCLUSIONS: KC are common in parathyroids and show a distinct histological and immunohistochemical profile, with an inferior predilection favouring branchial cleft III distribution. Diagnostically, the high prevalence of this phenotype in PTH-negative cysts and salivary heterotopia supports derivation of non-functioning cysts from KC. Conversely, PTH-positive cysts are more compatible with cystic change within hyperfunctioning glands.

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.

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.

Risk assessment for distant metastasis in differentiated thyroid cancer using molecular profiling: A matched case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Risk stratification for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is based primarily on pathologic tumor characteristics. Accurate preoperative prognostication could allow for more informed initial surgical recommendations, particularly among patients at a higher risk for distant metastasis (DM). The objective of this study was to characterize the genetic profile of DTC with DM and to validate a molecular-based risk stratification. METHODS: A case-control study design was used to analyze patients who had DTC with DM (n = 62) and a propensity matched cohort of patients who had DTC without DM after at least 5 years of follow-up using the ThyroSeq version 3 targeted next-generation sequencing assay. The results were classified into high-risk, intermediate-risk, and low-risk of aggressive disease. RESULTS: Most patients who had DTC with DM (66%) had a late-hit mutation in TERT, TP53, or PIK3CA. After propensity matching by age, tumor size, and sex, the high-risk molecular profile had strong association with DM (high-risk vs intermediate-risk: odds ratio, 25.1; 95% CI, 3.07-204.4; P < .001; high-risk vs low-risk: odds ratio, 122.5; 95% CI, 14.5-1038.4; P < .001). Overall, molecular risk categories were associated with DM risk, with a concordance index of 0.836 (95% CI, 0.759-0.913), which remained consistent after internal validation. Within the range of 5% to 10% of DM observed in DTC, the expected probability of DM would be 0.2% to 0.4% for the low-risk molecular profile, 4.7% to 9.4% for the intermediate-risk molecular profile, and 19.3% to 33.5% for the high-risk molecular profile. CONCLUSIONS: In this matched case-control study, genetic profiling using an available molecular assay provided accurate and robust risk stratification for DM in patients with DTC. The availability of preoperative prognostication may allow tailoring treatment for patients with DTC.

TP53 mutations and CDKN2A mutations/deletions are highly recurrent molecular alterations in the malignant progression of sinonasal papillomas.

Sinonasal papillomas are benign epithelial tumors of the sinonasal tract that are associated with a synchronous or metachronous sinonasal carcinoma in a subset of cases. Our group recently identified mutually exclusive EGFR mutations and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in inverted sinonasal papillomas and frequent KRAS mutations in oncocytic sinonasal papillomas. We also demonstrated concordant mutational and HPV infection status in sinonasal papilloma-associated sinonasal carcinomas, confirming a clonal relationship between these tumors. Despite our emerging understanding of the oncogenic mechanisms driving formation of sinonasal papillomas, little is currently known about the molecular mechanisms of malignant progression to sinonasal carcinoma. In the present study, we utilized targeted next-generation DNA sequencing to characterize the molecular landscape of a large cohort of sinonasal papilloma-associated sinonasal carcinomas. As expected, EGFR or KRAS mutations were present in the vast majority of tumors. In addition, highly recurrent TP53 mutations, CDKN2A mutations, and/or CDKN2A copy-number losses were detected; overall, nearly all tumors (n = 28/29; 96.6%) harbored at least one TP53 or CDKN2A alteration. TERT copy-number gains also occurred frequently (27.6%); however, no TERT promoter mutations were identified. Other recurrent molecular alterations included NFE2L2 and PIK3CA mutations and SOX2, CCND1, MYC, FGFR1, and EGFR copy-number gains. Importantly, TP53 mutations and CDKN2A alterations were not detected in matched sinonasal papillomas, suggesting that these molecular events are associated with malignant transformation. Compared to aerodigestive tract squamous cell carcinomas from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project, sinonasal papilloma-associated sinonasal carcinomas have a distinct molecular phenotype, including more frequent EGFR, KRAS, and CDKN2A mutations, TERT copy-number gains, and low-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. These findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms of malignant progression of sinonasal papillomas and may have important diagnostic and therapeutic implications for patients with advanced sinonasal cancer.

An uncommon case of lip swelling: Granulomatous cheilitis associated with Crohn's disease.

Unbeknownst to most otolaryngologists, there is quite a range of oral manifestations which commonly manifest in the context of inflammatory bowel disease. As providers who will encounter such patients in consultation it is beneficial to be aware of that association. Lip swelling (granulomatous cheilitis) is just one such presentation, which is often otherwise mistaken for angioneurotic edema and can lead to unwarranted testing and misdirected treatment. We present such a case to highlight the educational value of this patient encounter.

The Clinical Utility of Molecular Testing in the Management of Thyroid Follicular Neoplasms (Bethesda IV Nodules).

OBJECTIVE: FN present a management quandary as they are often benign but may also be aggressive TC. Consensus recommendations have historically advised thyroidectomy for definitive diagnosis. Although MT have robust benefit in hypothetical cost analyses, under current management guidelines a real-time study of their clinical utility in FN is awaited. We investigate if MT use for FN directs appropriate thyroidectomy for TC while triaging to surveillance nodules that are likely benign. METHODS: Data were analyzed for 389 consecutive patients managed from 11/14 to 9/19 for 405 FN, excluding oncocytic neoplasms. TC was defined as same-nodule histologic malignancy. When obtained, MT was performed using ThyroSeq (TS) v2 or 3. RESULTS: With a mean nodule size of 2.7 ±â€Š1.3 cm, MT was used in 89% and was positive in 39%. When MT was positive, thyroidectomy was more often utilized (91% v. MT- 27%; P < 0.001) and more likely for histologic TC (70% vs 16%, P < 0.001). With preoperative MT, all American Thyroid Association intermediate, high-risk, and medullary TC were positive whereas all MT- malignancies were low-risk. With TSv3, ultrasound surveillance was more likely for MT- FN (90% vs TSv2 65%, P < 0.001), and occurred for a total of 174 MT- FN. With mean follow-up of 24.6 months, 82% remained stable in size. CONCLUSIONS: MT use for FN increased the surgical yield of cancer by 4-fold, identified all potentially aggressive malignancies, and allowed apparently safe nonoperative surveillance for >80% of MT-negative patients. Thyroid nodule MT optimizes patient outcomes sufficiently to justify its incorporation into routine practice.

Genomic analysis of recurrences and high-grade forms of polymorphous adenocarcinoma.

AIMS: Polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC) usually follows an indolent course, but some cases may show recurrences and high-grade features. The genetic events associated with recurrences and high-grade versions are yet to be defined. Our aim was to determine the genetic underpinning of recurrent PACs of the salivary gland and the repertoire of somatic genetic alterations in cases with high-grade histology. METHODS AND RESULTS: Four PACs from three patients, including one case with matching primary and recurrent tumours, one de-novo high-grade PAC, and a PAC that transformed to a high-grade tumour following multiple recurrences, were subjected to targeted sequencing (Memorial Sloan Kettering Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets assay) or whole-exome sequencing. Both matching primary and recurrent tumours, and the de-novo high-grade PAC, harboured clonal PRKD1 E710D hotspot mutations, whereas the PAC that underwent high-grade transformation upon recurrence, which was wild-type for PRKD1, harboured a PRKD2 rearrangement. The PACs analysed here also harboured mutations targeting cancer genes such as PIK3CA, SETD2, ARID1A, and NOTCH2. A clonal decomposition analysis of the matching primary and recurrent PACs revealed that a minor subclone from the primary tumour became dominant in the recurrent tumour following a clonal selection evolutionary pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that recurrent and high-grade PACs are underpinned by PRKD1 E710D hotspot mutations or PRKD2 rearrangements, and that recurrences of PACs may stem from the selection of pre-existing subclones in the primary tumour.

Noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features: a review for pathologists.

The rising incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma is linked in part to inclusion of noninvasive follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Despite its designation as carcinoma, noninvasive follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma appears to be exceptionally indolent, often over treated by current treatment practices. Additionally, criteria for diagnosis have historically been subjective and challenging. Recently, an international multidisciplinary collaborative group performed a clinicopathologic survey of such cases with extended follow-up and concluded based on the outcome data that a revision in nomenclature was warranted, proposing 'Noninvasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasm with Papillary-like Nuclear Features (NIFTP).' This monograph is a synopsis and guide for pathologists on NIFTP and focuses on histologic features, including inclusion and exclusion criteria used to define NIFTP, as well as grossing guidelines, reporting practices, and potential diagnostic limitations.

Basaloid/blue salivary gland tumors.

Basaloid tumors are a common diagnostic problem in salivary gland pathology. However, delineating each of these tumor types is facilitated by an algorithmic approach incorporated by tumor border and cell types. This approach greatly diminishes the challenge of separating polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) from adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Despite the overlap in growth pattern, ACC is biphasic while PLGA is not. More relevant challenges, namely differentiation of the biphasic basaloid neoplasms including: epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMCA), cellular pleomorphic adenoma (PA), basal cell adenoma (BCA), and basal cell adenocarcinoma (BCAC), are resolved by a combination of morphologic, immunophenotypic, and to a limited extent, molecular features. Among the most challenging scenarios is high-grade transformation of any of the aforementioned entities. Here, the diagnosis requires recognition of a conventional component and exclusion of metastatic (or in some cases primary) SCC and even select neuroendocrine carcinomas and sarcomas in some cases.

Thyroid sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia: a clinicopathologic and molecular analysis of a distinct entity.

Sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia is a rare thyroid neoplasm of uncertain pathogenesis that resembles salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma. This multi-institutional study characterizes the clinicopathologic and molecular features of this tumor by utilizing next-generation sequencing to assess common mutations and gene fusions involved in thyroid carcinogenesis as well as fluorescence in-situ hybridization for MAML2 translocations typical of salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Nine cases (6 females and 3 males, mean age: 59 years, range 30-77 years) were identified. All cases were comprised of nests and strands of tumor cells with both squamous and mucinous differentiation embedded in a fibrohyaline stroma with an inflammatory infiltrate replete with eosinophils. All cases were p63 positive, thyroglobulin negative and showed variable expression of TTF-1. All nine cases were negative for MAML2 rearrangements. Five cases successfully tested by next-generation sequencing (ThyroSeq v.2 assay) were negative for mutations and translocations commonly involved in thyroid carcinogenesis. NTRK1 showed overexpression but no evidence of translocation. On follow-up, one patient died of persistent disease, whereas one of four remaining patients with available follow-up (mean: 7.3 years, range 4-11 years) demonstrated recurrence at 4 years. Thus, we show that sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia appears molecularly and morphologically distinct from follicular and C-cell-derived thyroid tumors as well as from salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The overall and recurrence-free survival for these patients may be lower than for other well-differentiated thyroid cancers.

Activating KRAS mutations are characteristic of oncocytic sinonasal papilloma and associated sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma.

Oncocytic sinonasal papillomas (OSPs) are benign tumours of the sinonasal tract, a subset of which are associated with synchronous or metachronous sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC). Activating EGFR mutations were recently identified in nearly 90% of inverted sinonasal papillomas (ISPs) - a related tumour with distinct morphology. EGFR mutations were, however, not found in OSP, suggesting that different molecular alterations drive the oncogenesis of these tumours. In this study, tissue from 51 cases of OSP and five cases of OSP-associated SNSCC was obtained retrospectively from six institutions. Tissue was also obtained from 50 cases of ISP, 22 cases of ISP-associated SNSCC, ten cases of exophytic sinonasal papilloma (ESP), and 19 cases of SNSCC with no known papilloma association. Using targeted next-generation and conventional Sanger sequencing, we identified KRAS mutations in 51/51 (100%) OSPs and 5/5 (100%) OSP-associated SNSCCs. The somatic nature of KRAS mutations was confirmed in a subset of cases with matched germline DNA, and four matched pairs of OSP and concurrent associated SNSCC had concordant KRAS genotypes. In contrast, KRAS mutations were present in only one (5%) SNSCC with no known papilloma association and none of the ISPs, ISP-associated SNSCCs, or ESPs. This is the first report of somatic KRAS mutations in OSP and OSP-associated SNSCC. The presence of identical mutations in OSP and concurrent associated SNSCC supports the putative role of OSP as a precursor to SNSCC, and the high frequency and specificity of KRAS mutations suggest that OSP and OSP-associated SNSCC are biologically distinct from other similar sinonasal tumours. The identification of KRAS mutations in all studied OSP cases represents an important development in our understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease and may have implications for diagnosis and therapy. Copyright © 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Sox10 and DOG1 Expression in Primary Adnexal Tumors of the Skin.

Primary skin adnexal tumors can be challenging to classify and must be discerned from cutaneous adenocarcinoma metastases from various sites. We evaluated expression of Sox10 and DOG1 in normal cutaneous adnexa and in 194 primary skin adnexal tumors, and compared their performance in discriminating primary skin adnexal tumors from cutaneous metastatic adenocarcinomas with that of p40 and p63. In normal skin adnexa, we noted Sox10 expression in both the secretory and myoepithelial cells in eccrine glands, but only in myoepithelial cells in apocrine glands. DOG1 demonstrated canalicular expression in eccrine glands, and weak expression in myoepithelial cells of apocrine glands, germinative cells of sebaceous glands, and outer root sheath of follicular infundibulum. Sox10 was expressed in 100% of cylindromas and spiradenomas, and in variable frequency in other benign and malignant tumors of sweat glands. DOG1 was positive in most cylindromas (87.5%), in only 10.5% of spiradenomas, and was variably expressed in other benign and malignant tumors of sweat glands. All syringomas (n = 20) were negative for Sox10 and DOG1. One out of the 33 follicular neoplasms was positive for Sox10 and DOG1 (3%). All sebaceous neoplasms were negative for Sox10, and 28.1% of them were positive for DOG1. Sox10 was specific (91.9%) but not sensitive (28.4%) for primary skin origin, and was far less accurate (38.5%) than p63 or p40 (95.5% accuracy). Combining Sox10 with p63 or p40 showed only very minimal gain in accuracy (96%). DOG1 expression in tumors showed low sensitivity and specificity for skin adnexal origin.

The prognostic significance of BAP1, NF2, and CDKN2A in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.

Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion for patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma has resulted in improved disease control and increased survival. Despite these results, there are significant perioperative risks associated with this aggressive procedure that necessitate consideration of prognostic markers during patient selection. The molecular pathogenesis of peritoneal mesothelioma remains relatively unknown, but extrapolation of findings from their pleural counterpart would suggest frequent alterations in CDKN2A, NF2, and BAP1. Homozygous deletions in CDKN2A portend a worse overall survival in peritoneal mesothelioma. However, the prevalence and prognostic significance of NF2 and BAP1 abnormalities has not been studied. Dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization using CDKN2A and NF2 locus-specific probes and BAP1 immunohistochemistry identified homozygous CDKN2A deletions (n=25, 29%), hemizygous NF2 loss (n=30, 35%), and/or loss of BAP1 protein expression (n=49, 57%) in 68 of 86 (79%) peritoneal mesotheliomas. Homozygous CDKN2A deletions or hemizygous NF2 loss correlated with shorter progression-free survival (P<0.02) and poor overall survival (P<0.03). Moreover, the significance of these findings was cumulative. Patients harboring both homozygous CDKN2A deletions and hemizygous NF2 loss had a 2-year progression-free survival rate of 9% with a median of 6 months (P<0.01) and overall survival rate of 18% with a median of 8 months (P<0.01). By multivariate analysis, combined homozygous CDKN2A deletions and hemizygous NF2 loss was a negative prognostic factor for both progression-free survival and overall survival, independent of patient age, peritoneal cancer index, completeness of cytoreduction, and extent of invasion. In contrast, loss of BAP1 was not associated with clinical outcome. In summary, homozygous deletions in CDKN2A and hemizygous loss of NF2 as detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization would confer a poor clinical outcome and may guide future treatment decisions for patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.

Novel PRKD gene rearrangements and variant fusions in cribriform adenocarcinoma of salivary gland origin.

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) and cribriform adenocarcinoma of minor salivary gland (CAMSG) are low-grade carcinomas arising most often in oral cavity and oropharynx, respectively. Controversy exists as to whether these tumors represent separate entities or variants of one spectrum, as they appear to have significant overlap, but also clinicopathologic differences. As many salivary carcinomas harbor recurrent translocations, paired-end RNA sequencing and FusionSeq data analysis was applied for novel fusion discovery on two CAMSGs and two PLGAs. Validated rearrangements were then screened by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in 60 cases. Histologic classification was performed without knowledge of fusion status and included: 21 CAMSG, 18 classic PLGA, and 21 with "mixed/indeterminate" features. The RNAseq of 2 CAMSGs showed ARID1A-PRKD1 and DDX3X-PRKD1 fusions, respectively, while no fusion candidates were identified in two PLGAs. FISH for PRKD1 rearrangements identified 11 additional cases (22%), two more showing ARID1A-PRKD1 fusions. As PRKD2 and PRKD3 share similar functions with PRKD1 in the diacylglycerol and protein kinase C signal transduction pathway, we expanded the investigation for these genes by FISH. Six additional cases each showed PRKD2 and PRKD3 rearrangements. Of the 26 (43%) fusion-positive tumors, there were 16 (80%) CAMSGs and 9 (45%) indeterminate cases. A PRKD2 rearrangement was detected in one PLGA (6%). We describe novel and recurrent gene rearrangements in PRKD1-3 primarily in CAMSG, suggesting a possible pathogenetic dichotomy from "classic" PLGA. However, the presence of similar genetic findings in half of the indeterminate cases and a single PLGA suggests a possible shared pathogenesis for these tumor types.

Highly accurate diagnosis of cancer in thyroid nodules with follicular neoplasm/suspicious for a follicular neoplasm cytology by ThyroSeq v2 next-generation sequencing assay.

BACKGROUND: Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is a common approach to evaluating thyroid nodules, although 20% to 30% of FNAs have indeterminate cytology, which hampers the appropriate management of these patients. Follicular (or oncocytic) neoplasm/suspicious for a follicular (or oncocytic) neoplasm (FN/SFN) is a common indeterminate diagnosis with a cancer risk of approximately 15% to 30%. In this study, the authors tested whether the most complete next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel of genetic markers could significantly improve cancer diagnosis in these nodules. METHODS: The evaluation of 143 consecutive FNA samples with a cytologic diagnosis of FN/SFN from patients with known surgical outcomes included 91 retrospective samples and 52 prospective samples. Analyses were performed on a proprietary sequencer using the targeted ThyroSeq v2 NGS panel, which simultaneously tests for point mutations in 13 genes and for 42 types of gene fusions that occur in thyroid cancer. The expression of 8 genes was used to assess the cellular composition of FNA samples. RESULTS: In the entire cohort, histologic analysis revealed 104 benign nodules and 39 malignant nodules. The most common point mutations involved the neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog (NRAS), followed by the Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene, and the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) gene. The identified fusions involved the thyroid adenoma associated (THADA) gene; the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARG) gene; and the neurotrophic tyrosine kinase, receptor, type 3 (NTRK3) gene. Performance characteristics were similar in the retrospective and prospective groups. Among all FN/SFN nodules, preoperative ThyroSeq v2 performed with 90% sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI], 80%-99%), 93% specificity (95% CI, 88%-98%), a positive predictive value of 83% (95% CI, 72%-95%), a negative predictive value of 96% (95% CI, 92%-100%), and 92% accuracy (95% CI, 88%-97%). CONCLUSIONS: The current results indicate that comprehensive genotyping of thyroid nodules using a broad NGS panel provides a highly accurate diagnosis for nodules with FN/SFN cytology and should facilitate the optimal management of these patients.

Overexpression of lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1) in solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas.

Solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms are rare, but are distinctive pancreatic tumors of low-malignant potential. While the histogenesis of these tumors is unclear, they are often associated with gain-of-function mutations in the catenin (cadherin-associated protein), beta 1 (88 kDa), or CTNNB1 gene, resulting in nuclear accumulation of CTNNB1. CTNNB1 is a central component of the Wnt signaling pathway and mediates gene expression through the lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1) /T-cell factor transcription complex. Although LEF1 has a pivotal role in the transactivation of Wnt/CTNNB1 responsive genes, the status of LEF1 in solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms and other pancreatic tumors has not been examined. We analyzed both LEF1 and CTNNB1 in a large cohort of pancreatic tumors (n=155). In all cases of solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms including surgical resections (n=27) and cytologic samples (n=8) had strong and diffuse nuclear labeling for both LEF1 and CTNNB1. The surrounding uninvolved pancreatic parenchyma was devoid of any LEF1 staining. All resection and cytologic specimens from well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (n=44; n=29, respectively), high-grade pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas (n=2; n=1), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (n=25; n=12), and acinar cell carcinomas (n=9; n=2) studied were negative for both nuclear LEF1 and CTNNB1. However, nuclear LEF1 and CTNNB1 were detected in all four resected pancreatoblastomas (no cytologic specimens were available for immunolabeling), but primarily centered around and within squamoid corpuscles. In summary, abnormal CTNNB1 accumulation was accompanied by nuclear LEF1 overexpression in both solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms and pancreatoblastomas. But, in contrast to pancreatoblastomas, a diffuse, nuclear labeling was observed in solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms and further implicates the CTNNB1/LEF1 transcriptional complex in the development of solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms. In addition, as part of an immunohistochemical panel, LEF1 can be a useful ancillary stain in the diagnosis of solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms.

Salivary duct carcinoma and the concept of early carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma.

AIMS: The data on the histological type of carcinomatous component and the extent of extracapsular invasion for salivary carcinomas ex pleomorphic adenoma (PA) are conflicting. We aimed to determine the prognostic value of extracapsular invasion in salivary duct carcinomas (SDC) ex PA. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 117 patients with SDC were identified retrospectively; 44 cases involving major salivary glands had pre-existing PA (44 of 117, 37%). The morphological spectrum of SDC ex PA was characterized. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Most SDC ex PA were widely invasive at presentation (27 of 44; 61%). Five patients with intracapsular SDC ex PA experienced no disease progression. The assessment of extracapsular invasion was precluded in eight cases (e.g. positive margins of resection). The rate of lymph node involvement was similar in cases with extracapsular invasion of ≤2 mm (two of three) and >7 mm (22 of 26). Only pT correlated with OS [116 months, 95% confidence interval (CI) 22-210 months for pT1 versus 20 months (95% CI 6-34) for pT4; P = 0.013]. CONCLUSIONS: Intracapsular SDC ex PA are potentially indolent. SDC ex PA with extracapsular invasion of ≤2 mm are rare, and appear to be clinically aggressive. Several histological parameters preclude assessment of extracapsular invasion.

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.