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Cutaneous microcystic/reticular schwannoma: a poorly recognized entity
Author(s) -
Luzar Boštjan,
Tanaka Maiko,
Schneider Johann,
Calonje Eduardo
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of cutaneous pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.597
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1600-0560
pISSN - 0303-6987
DOI - 10.1111/cup.12624
Subject(s) - reticular connective tissue , reticular dermis , schwannoma , pathology , perineurium , reticular cell , neurofibromatosis , anatomy , reticular fiber , biology , neurofibroma , medicine , dermis , peripheral nerve , immunology , spleen
Background Microcystic/reticular schwannoma is exceptionally rare yet distinctive morphological variant of schwannoma with predilection for visceral sites lacking association with neurofibromatosis. Aims To further delineate clinicopathological features of cutaneous microcystic/reticular schwannoma and to discuss its differential diagnosis. Results We analyzed three cutaneous microcystic/reticular schwannomas, occurring in two males and one female (mean age: 37.6 years). The tumors presented as a non‐painful slightly raised papule (mean: 0.7 cm) on upper arm (n = 2) and back (n = 1). No recurrences were observed despite marginal excision (mean follow up: 42 months). Histopathologically, a multilobular proliferation was present in the dermis composed of bland tumor cells forming distinctive microcystic, reticular, lace‐like or pseudoglandular structures, containing abundant myxoid/mucinous material. By immunohistochemistry, tumor cells lining microcystic structures corresponded to Schwann cells (diffuse S100 positive, variable GFAP positivity). A discontinuous EMA ‐positive perineurium was present at the periphery of some of the lobules. Conclusion Cutaneous microcystic/reticular schwannoma expands the spectrum of benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors with reticular morphology encountered in the skin. Other tumors in this group include reticular perineurioma and hybrid tumors with reticular morphology, e.g. reticular perineurioma/schwannoma and reticular perineurioma/neurofibroma.