Open AccessNumerous osteoclast‐like giant cells in metastases from lung adenocarcinoma, but absent from primary tumor
Author(s) -
Matsukuma Susumu,
Takeo Hiroaki,
Kato Kimi,
Sato Kimiya
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
thoracic cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.823
H-Index - 28
eISSN - 1759-7714
pISSN - 1759-7706
DOI - 10.1111/1759-7714.12090
Subject(s) - medicine , vimentin , pathology , cd68 , cytokeratin , adenocarcinoma , lung , giant cell , carcinoma , metastatic carcinoma , immunohistochemistry , cancer
We report a rare case of lung adenocarcinoma in a 54‐year‐old man, in whom osteoclast‐like giant cells ( OCGCs ) were found only in metastases. Autopsy revealed that metastases involving the tongue, gallbladder, stomach, intestines, right adrenal gland, and bones contained numerous OCGCs . Some metastases to the lungs and liver also contained OCGCs , but the primary tumor and metastases to the right atrium, spleen, left adrenal gland, and lymph nodes did not. Primary lung carcinoma cells were positive for cytokeratin 7 ( CK 7) , epithelial membrane antigen ( EMA ), thyroid transcription factor 1 ( TTF ‐1), and N apsin A , but were negative for vimentin and CD 68. Frequently poorly cohesive metastatic carcinoma cells admixtured with OCGCs showed weak CK 7/ EMA positivity, no TTF ‐1/ N apsin A staining, and newly expressed vimentin. OCGCs were positive only for CD 68 and vimentin, implying reactive cells. OCGCs can develop only in metastatic lesions, possibly associated with their anaplastic changes or epithelial mesenchymal transition.