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Disseminated primitive neuroectodermal tumor: Diagnosis using immunocytochemistry, electron microscopy, and molecular probes
Author(s) -
Pappo A. S.,
Cheah M. S. C.,
Saldivar V. A.,
Britton H. A.,
Parmley R. T.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(19890615)63:12<2515::aid-cncr2820631226>3.0.co;2-s
Subject(s) - pathology , medicine , bone marrow , differential diagnosis , autopsy , lymphoma , primitive neuroectodermal tumor , leukemia , immunohistochemistry
A patient with a disseminated small cell tumor presented with hyperuricemia, gingival hypertrophy, lymphadenopathy, and bone marrow replacement with tumor cells. Initial histologic examination and clinical presentation were consistent with presumed marker silent lymphoma/leukemia. Despite initial treatment with and response to lymphoma/leukemia therapy the patient relapsed in the testis, bone marrow, pancreas, and skin whereupon subsequent and retrospective immunocytochemical, ultrastructural, cytogenetic, and molecular analysis led to the diagnosis of primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET). Despite extensive investigation and autopsy no primary site of tumor could be found demonstrating that PNET should be considered in the differential diagnosis of disseminated small cell tumors without an apparent primary.