Plexiform Epithelioid Schwannoma:

Epithelioid Schwannomas: An Analysis of 58 Cases Including Atypical Variants

The histologic features and outcome of 58 cases of epithelioid schwannoma were studied to determine the significance of atypical histologic features. Cases were retrieved from personal consultation files from 1999 to 2013. Patients (31 male and 26 female patients) ranged in age from 14 to 80 years (median, 38 y). Two patients had schwannomatosis 1. Tumors developed in the dermis/subcutis (n=56) or muscle (n=2) of the upper extremity (34.5%), lower extremity (34.5%), thorax/abdomen/back (18%), and less common anatomic locations including the scalp, neck, lip, and breast. They ranged in size from 0.25 to 4.5 cm (median, 2.0 cm). Typically circumscribed and surrounded by a perineurium, they comprised single or small groups of epithelioid schwann cells with a moderate amphophilic cytoplasm and occasional nuclear pseudoinclusions. Stroma varied from myxoid to hyalinized, often with thick-walled vessels (55 cases). Mitotic rate ranged from 0 to 9 mitoses/10 high-power field (HPF) (2.37 mm) in the most active areas (mean, 2 to 3 mitoses/10 HPFs). Thirteen cases (22%) were "atypical," defined by a high mitotic rate (≥3 mitoses per 10 HPFs) and nuclear size variation (≥3:1). All (56/56) expressed S100 protein; type IV collagen invested groups or individual cells (16/17). Melanoma markers were negative, except for melan A (1 case). Follow-up in 39 patients (median, 78 mo; range, 6 to 174 mo) indicated that 31 (79%) were alive without disease (including 9/13 atypical cases; median, 78 mo), 7 (18%) were alive with unknown status, and 1 patient had died of unrelated causes. One tumor recurred, but none metastasized. Epithelioid schwannomas, even those with atypical features, are benign and do not constitute a histologic continuum with epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, which typically occur in deep soft tissues and have more anaplastic features.

Cutaneous microcystic/reticular schwannoma: a poorly recognized entity

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.

Clinicopathologic analysis of 7 cases of oral schwannoma and review of the literature

Schwannomas, also known as neurilemmomas, are uncommon neoplasms apparently derived from Schwann cells. The growth of these tumors causes displacement and compression of the nerve of origin. Schwannomas are usually solitary lesions but can be multiple when associated with neurofibromatosis. Anti-S100 protein is the most widely used antibody for the identification of this neoplasm. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for schwannomas, with few and controversial reports of recurrence or malignant transformation. The present article reports 7 additional cases of oral schwannoma, and the literature is reviewed regarding clinicopathologic features, immunohistochemical findings, differential diagnosis, and therapeutic management of this benign neural tumor.

Cutaneous myoepithelioma with a plexiform pattern of growth: a case report

Cutaneous myoepithelioma, a recently recognized, rare but well-characterized entity, is comprised solely of myoepithelial cells. In this report, we describe a cutaneous myoepithelioma with a plexiform pattern of growth in the scapular region of a 58-year-old woman.