Localized amyloidosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Prognostic Significance of Granuloma and Amyloid Deposition in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

The significance of granuloma and amyloid deposition in primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has yet to be investigated. This study aimed to evaluate their clinicopathologic associations. The histopathologic findings of 747 consecutive patients with primary NPC were retrospectively reviewed between January 2001 and December 2015. The presence of granulomas and amyloid deposits was observed in 68 (9.1%) and 62 (8.3%) patients, respectively. Granulomas were significantly associated with lower T classification, N classification, and overall TNM stage (p = 0.014, p = 0.006, and p = 0.001, respectively). Their presence was an independent predictor of overall survival (p = 0.033), disease-free survival (p = 0.034), and recurrence-free survival (p = 0.040). Conversely, amyloid deposition was not a predictor in any survival analyses. The present study demonstrated the prevalence of granuloma and amyloid deposition in the largest single institution cohort of primary NPC patients so far. Our results provide evidence that granulomas are significantly associated with better prognosis and treatment outcome. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism of action of granuloma formation on the anti-tumor immunity of NPC.

Amyloid and hyaline globules in undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma

We characterize the clinicopathological features of two patients (one 38 year old woman and one 42 year old man, both of Chinese ethnicity) with Epstein Barr Virus positive non-keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma from an endemic region with prominent presence of amyloid and one case with both amyloid and abundant intracytoplasmic hyaline globules. The amyloid material was positive for Congo red and showed apple green birefringence when examined under polarized light. The amyloid was immunoreactive for cytokeratins and was located both intra- and extracellularly. Frequently the amyloid had a light microscopical spherical appearance and displayed peripheral radiating fibrils from a central homogenous core. One of the patients had a unique presentation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma with perceived hemoptysis and coughing up two pieces of tumor tissue. In reality, the nasopharyngeal tumor was polypoid and the two fragments were pinched of from the main tumor mass.

Virus-associated neoplasms of the nasopharynx and sinonasal tract: diagnostic problems

A significant fraction of nasopharyngeal and sinonasal tumors are associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or human papillomavirus (HPV). Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma harbor EBV in practically all cases, although a small proportion of cases of the former harbor HPV. Sinonasal inverted papillomas harbor HPV in about 25% of cases. Sinonasal squamous cell carcinomas harbor transcriptionally active HPV in about 20% of cases, and limited data suggest that this subset has a better prognosis than the HPV-negative subset. This review addresses the diagnostic issues of the EBV-associated tumors. Difficulties in diagnosis of NPC may be encountered when there are prominent crush artifacts, many admixed lymphoid cells masking the neoplastic cells, or numerous interspersed granulomas, whereas benign cellular components (epithelial crypts and germinal centers) and reactive lymphoid hyperplasia can potentially be mistaken for NPC. Immunostaining for pan-cytokeratin and/or in situ hybridization for EBER can help in confirming or refuting a diagnosis of NPC. The main diagnostic problem of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma is recognition of the neoplastic nature of those examples predominated by small cells or showing a mixture of cells. The identification of a destructive infiltrate (dense expansile infiltrate; angiocentric growth) and definite cytologic atypia (clear cells; many medium-sized cells) would favor a diagnosis of lymphoma, which can be supported by immunohistochemistry (most commonly CD3+, CD5-, CD56+) and in situ hybridization for EBER. In conclusion, among nasopharyngeal and sinonasal neoplasms, demonstration of EBV may aid in diagnosis, particularly NPC and extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma. Demonstration of HPV does not have a role yet in diagnosis, although this may change in the future.

Amyloidosis of the renal pelvis: a harbinger of mammary carcinoma?

We describe a rare case of light chain immunoglobulin amyloid (AL) accumulation in the central and lower pole renal calyces. Our patient, a woman aged 60, presented with several episodes of gross haematuria. Radiological imaging detected a filling defect in the left renal pelvis. Rigid ureteroscopy showed a corresponding mucosal abnormality resembling transitional cell carcinoma. A definitive preoperative tissue diagnosis could not be reached. Laparoscopic-assisted left nephroureterectomy was indicated. Histopathological examination excluded malignancy, revealing congophilic deposits of submucosal amyloid. A constellation of findings confirmed localised or primary amyloidosis with an AL immunophenotype but no evidence of clonal B-cell disease in the amyloid-associated lymphoplasmacytic cell infiltrate. Investigation for systemic plasma cell dyscrasia and echocardiography and scintigraphy for visceral amyloid deposits were negative for systemic disease. At a follow-up period of 30 months, there is no recurrence. However, our patient was diagnosed with breast cancer 21 months ago.

Pathobiology of selected tumors of the base of the skull

Skull base surgery is a new subspeciality, and, up to this point, most articles on this subject have focused on innovative operative-reconstructive approaches to tumors in this region. It is now important that we embark on a new era, the era of tumor biology, and concentrate on new ways of evaluating these neoplasms from a pathologic viewpoint. The hematoxylin-cosin section is no longer an end point, but just a beginning. This is the age of molecular biology. It is important that these tumors be evaluated, either prospectively or retrospectively, employing immunohistochemical staining, flow cytometry, oncogene expression, cytogenetics, or other techniques in order to identify important prognostic features. Data from these additional studies may then be used to develop new treatment strategies. Skull base societies should develop protocols for one or more of these tumors to ensure that they are indeed evaluated uniformly. In this article I emphasize the importance of accurate histologic classification or subclassification of these neoplasms and focus on contemporary parameters that may or may not impact on prognosis.

Nasopharyngeal amyloidosis: an unusual cause for epistaxis

Objective:

We report the first case of nasal and nasopharyngeal amyloidosis secondary to multiple myeloma; this case also represents the fourth report of systemic nasal or nasopharyngeal amyloidosis.

Method:

Case report and review of the world literature concerning nasal and nasopharyngeal amyloidosis epidemiology, presentation and management.

Results:

Nasal and nasopharyngeal amyloidosis is rare. The presentation, clinical course and treatment are discussed for the presented patient. The amyloid tumour, which recurred in correlation with the progressive transformation of the multiple myeloma, was treated surgically. Subsequent localised radiotherapy decreased the size and growth rate of the tumour.

Conclusion:

Amyloid should be considered as a cause of resistant or recurrent epistaxis provided a mass lesion is seen on radiological imaging. Radiotherapy may be a treatment option in nasal and nasopharyngeal amyloidosis.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated adenocarcinomas and squamous-cell lung carcinomas

The association of Epstein-Barr virus with pulmonary neoplasms has been restricted to lymphoepithelioma-like carcinomas in Asian patients. We have selected 19 pulmonary adenocarcinomas and squamous-cell carcinomas from 1545 pulmonary neoplasms diagnosed from 1996 to 2007 in an occidental population. All of them showed a low-power appearance confusing between an epithelial and a lymphoid neoplasm, with a dense lymphocytic infiltrate intermingled with neoplastic cells giving an image akin to lymphoepithelial complexes. Five carcinomas presented typical features of Lymphoepithelioma-like lung carcinomas; but six cases could be classified as squamous-cell carcinomas and eight as adenocarcinomas. A semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction method, Early RNA genes 1 and 2 in situ hybridization as well as Latent membrane protein immunostaining for Epstein-Barr virus DNA, RNA and protein detection methods were used in every case. None of Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinomas showed positivity for Epstein-Barr virus in any used method. Otherwise four squamous-cell carcinomas and eight adenocarcinomas (12 cases) demonstrated viral sequences in polymerase chain reaction and/or in situ hybridization analysis in neoplastic cells. Moreover two adenocarcinomas also displayed human herpesvirus 6 DNA sequences coamplification in molecular analysis. Protein immunostaining was focally positive in only three cases. We performed the same analysis in 70 more cases of conventional pulmonary squamous-cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas that gave negative results. In conclusion, a subset of pulmonary squamous-cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas show Epstein-Barr DNA and/or RNA sequences in neoplastic cells. This finding expands the spectra of epithelial cell common tumours Epstein-Barr virus associated.

Localized amyloidosis in endometrioid carcinoma of the uterus: a rare association

BACKGROUND

Amyloidosis is associated with infections, chronic disorders, hematological malignancies and endocrine neoplasms. Only rarely has it been associated with other tumors. Amyloidosis of the endometrium is rare and has only been reported as part of a systemic disease.

CASE REPORT

A 65-year-old postmenopausal female presented with irregular vaginal bleeding. Ultrasonography revealed a growth in the uterine cavity and enlarged internal and external iliac lymph nodes. Total hysterectomy with Bilateral salpingo-ophorectomy and dissection of pelvic fascia with external and internal iliac lymph nodes was done. The histologic diagnosis was that of a well-differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma: villoglandular type. Additionally, there were intratumoral nodular deposits of amyloid which were positive with Congo red showing apple green birefringence on polarization.

CONCLUSION

This is an unusual case of amyloidosis associated with endometrioid carcinoma of the uterus.

Immunohistochemical study of cytokeratins in amyloid deposits associated with squamous cell carcinoma and dysplasia in the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx

The frequency of amyloid deposits associated with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and dysplasia in the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx was examined. In addition, the origin of amyloid proteins by immunohistochemical staining with a panel of anticytokeratin monoclonal antibodies was investigated. Amyloid deposits were found in eight of 73 (11.0%) SCC and one of seven (14.3%) dysplasias in the oral cavity, in eight of 22 (36.4%) SCC and zero of two (0%) dysplasias in the pharynx, and in 22 of 37 (59.5%) SCC and four of 10 (40.0%) dysplasias in the larynx. Eight of 12 different cytokeratin (CK) antibodies reacted with these deposits: 34 beta E12 (CK1, -5, -10, -14) reacted with amyloid deposits in 19 of 19 cases (100%), LL002 (CK14) in eight of 18 cases (44.4%), MNF116 (CK5, -6, -8, -17) in eight of 19 cases (42.1%), D5/16B4 (CK5, -6) in five of 18 cases (27.8%), DE-K10 (CK10) in four of 17 cases (23.5%), RCK108 (CK19) in three of 18 cases (16.7%), 34 beta B4 (CK1) in three of 19 cases (15.8%) and AE8 (CK13) in two of 17 cases (11.8%). These antibodies always reacted with the cytoplasm of squamous cell lesions. Amyloid deposits in two cases contained a CK5 and CK14 pair, and in another two cases they contained both a CK5 and CK14 pair, and a CK1 and CK10 pair. Anti-CK antibodies, including OV-TL12/30 (CK7), c-51 (CK8), DC10 (CK18) and IT-Ks20.8 (CK20) did not react with the amyloid deposits. We conclude that the amyloid deposits associated with SCC or dysplasia in the oral cavity, pharynx or larynx were derived from CK of cancer cells and that some amyloid deposits might be assembled by two or more different CK.

New aspects in clinicopathologic and oncogene studies of 23 pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinomas

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma, an uncommon epithelial tumor, has been described as being closely associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in many organs, especially the nasopharynx. We experienced 23 cases of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma arising in the lung from 2498 lung cancer patients in the Cancer Registry of our hospital. Seven patients were male and 16 were female. All patients were Chinese. Their ages ranged from 42 to 80 years. Six patients were smokers and 17 were nonsmokers. The tumor sizes ranged from 1.2 to 11.0 cm. All tumors showed the typical syncytial growth pattern of undifferentiated epithelial cells with a significant CD8+ T-lymphocyte reaction. EBV serology revealed prior infection in all 15 serum-available patients, all of whom were also found by in situ hybridization to have the virus genome. In addition, the higher the EBV serology titer, the larger the tumor size and the higher the staging would be. EBV viral capsid antigen IgG level remained elevated despite response to therapy. Nearly all cases had bcl-2 oncoprotein expression, but the detection rate of latent membrane protein-1, p53, and c-erb B-2 expression was extremely low. The encouraging chemotherapy response for advanced stage disease is also discussed.

Tumor-associated tissue eosinophilia of penile cancer

BACKGROUND

Tumor-associated tissue eosinophilia (TATE) occurs in many kinds of cancer. This study analyzed whether TATE improves the survival of penile cancer patients.

METHODS

In 17 patients with penile cancer, survival was compared between the TATE-positive group and the TATE-negative group. Tissue eosinophils were observed by transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS

In all cases, 5-year survival was 72.9% in the TATE-positive group (n = 8) and 38.9% in the TATE-negative group (n = 9; P = 0.131). In stage III and IV, it was 60% in the TATE-positive group (n = 5) and 0% in the TATE-negative group (n = 5; P = 0.058). Transmission electron microscopy images revealed the vigorous infiltration of tissue eosinophils.

CONCLUSIONS

It is suggested that TATE improves the survival of patients with advanced penile cancer. However, a greater number of subjects is needed to prove statistical significance.

The amyloid deposit in calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor is immunoreactive for cytokeratins

Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor, also known as Pindborg tumor, is a rare benign tumor with locally aggressive behavior. It is characterized by squamous epithelial cells, calcifications, and eosinophilic deposits that have been identified as amyloid. We report a case of calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor and investigate the nature of the amyloid, using histologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural studies. The amyloid was immunohistochemically negative for basement membrane components and positive for all cytokeratin stains performed (cocktail of cytokeratins 1, 5, 6, 8, 13, and 16, and cytokeratins AE1 and AE3). The amyloid stained focally in a glandular-like pattern, reminiscent of the epithelial glandlike structures of the tumor. We conclude that the amyloid is derived from filamentous degeneration of keratin filaments that originate from the tumor squamous epithelium. The keratin degeneration is part of a developmental or aging process that the tumor undergoes.

Fine-needle aspiration cytology of amyloid associated with nonneoplastic and malignant lesions

To assess the value of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology for the diagnosis of amyloid, we retrospectively studied all FNA cases diagnosed as having amyloid during a 6-yr period (1990-1996). FNA was performed on both superficial and deep locations. A total of 6 cases containing amyloid was studied, including primary medullary thyroid carcinoma, metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma to a vertebrae, multiple myeloma, squamous-cell carcinoma of the lung metastatic to a hilar lymph node, primary pulmonary amyloid, and amyloid tumor in a vertebral body in a patient with primary systemic amyloidosis. Despite the location or disease association, the cytologic appearance of amyloid in all cases was similar. On Diff-Quik stain, amyloid appeared as amorphous, irregular, waxy basophilic to metachromatic clumps of material. Papanicolaou stain revealed cyanophilic to organophilic clumps of material with occasional prominent fissures. In all 6 cases, amyloid was confirmed by Congo red stain and in 3 cases by a thioflavin T stain. In 4 of the 6 cases (67%), amyloid was associated with an underlying malignancy. In 3 cases malignant cells were admixed with the amyloid, and in another case malignancy was present at a distant site. We conclude that FNA biopsy is a helpful initial procedure for the evaluation of patients with amyloid deposits. The clinical implications of amyloid found in any particular body site include both benign and malignant conditions. The presence of an associated neoplasm must be especially considered in the differential diagnosis of amyloid deposits.

Primary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the lung. A clinicopathologic study of 11 cases

BACKGROUND

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC), best known to occur in the nasopharynx, can arise in a variety of sites, such as the salivary gland, thymus, lung, stomach, and skin. Primary LELC of the lung is very rare, with only limited information in the literature.

METHODS

The clinicopathologic features of 11 patients with pulmonary LELC collected from two regional hospitals in Hong Kong are described.

RESULTS

The patients, all Chinese, were aged 38 to 73 years (median, 54 years), with equal sex incidence. Two of the 8 patients were smokers. Four presented with coin lesions incidentally discovered on chest X-ray, five with cough and blood-stained sputum, and two with pleural effusion. The tumor formed a discrete (9 patients) or an ill-defined (1 patient) nodule in the lung, or, rarely, showed extensive bilateral pulmonary involvement (1 patient). The major bronchi were not involved except in 1 patient. Three patients had lymph node metastasis at presentation; two of them had bone metastasis, one at presentation and one after 9 months. The tumors had pushing margins, and grew in the form of anastomosing islands and sheets, comprising syncytial-appearing large cells with vesicular nuclei and prominent nucleoli. They were infiltrated by an appreciable number of small lymphocytes and plasma cells. Intratumoral amyloid globules were found in one tumor. In five patients, the tumor showed intraepithelial growth within the small bronchi; this could represent either the in-situ phase of the tumor or pagetoid spread into the bronchial epithelium. The neoplastic cells of all patients harbored Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) as demonstrated by in situ hybridization for EBV-encoded small nuclear RNAs. All eight Asian patients with pulmonary LELC previously reported in the literature similarly have been EBV-positive, whereas the four reported Caucasian patients all have been EBV-negative.

CONCLUSION

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of lung occurring in Asians is an EBV-associated neoplasm; it also appears to occur at a higher frequency in Asians than Caucasians. It usually presents as a solitary subpleural nodule, and there is no strong association with cigarette smoking. Most patients have early stage disease at presentation. From the limited available data, the behavior of LELC of lung is highly variable, ranging from apparent curability by excision (particularly for localized disease) to highly aggressive, extensive disease at presentation.

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia associated with primary amyloidosis

A case of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) associated with primary amyloidosis (AL) is presented. Hepatosplenomegaly, macroglossia, and xanthelasma were the major physical findings. Laboratory tests showed macrocytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, monocytosis and a bi-clonal gammopathy. Early monocytes and monoblasts were noted in the bone marrow aspiration biopsy. Cytogenetic evaluation showed a clonal deletion of chromosome 21 long arm (21q-). Amyloid was present in the liver, tongue and xanthelasma. In addition, the patient was noted to have osteosclerosis of the lower extremities. Treatment with prednisone and colchicine resulted in a subjective response. The unusual association of CMML, and primary amyloidosis is discussed.

Localized amyloidosis in squamous cell carcinoma of uterine cervix: electron microscopic features of nodular and star-like amyloid deposits

An ultrastructural study of amyloid deposits in four cases of squamous cell carcinoma of uterine cervix was performed. The amyloid deposits reacted with anti-keratin antiserum on frozen sections. Amyloid deposits showed nodular (4 cases) and star-like forms (3 cases). Nodular amyloid deposits were composed of slightly whorled fibrils, measuring 7-10 nm in width. Some of them contained cellular debris and thicker, more electron-dense filaments than amyloid fibrils. In three cases, filamentous tumour cells and filamentous masses were observed together with amyloid. Star-like amyloid deposits were composed of bundles of straight amyloid fibrils. Some of the tumour cells in contact with star-like amyloid deposits had deep cytoplasmic invaginations, where closely packed amyloid fibrils were arrayed in parallel fashion. In addition, a few tumour cells had membrane-bound amyloid fibrils in the cytoplasm. It is suggested that nodular amyloid deposits are derived from the tumour cells through filamentous degeneration. Amyloid fibrils in star-like amyloid deposits are thought to be formed within the cytoplasm or in the vicinity of invaginated cytoplasmic membranes of the tumour cells.

The pattern of amyloidosis in a Malaysian patient population

Congo red screening of 27,052 routine biopsy specimens from 22,827 patients over a 5 1/2-year period in the Department of Pathology, University of Malaya detected 186 cases of amyloidosis. The categories of amyloidosis encountered and their prevalences in relation to each other were: systemic AL (5.9%); systemic AA (3.2%); isolated atrial (14%); primary localized cutaneous (7.5%); other primary localized deposits (3.2%); localized intratumour (58%); and dystrophic (8.6%). A third of patients with systemic AL amyloidosis had coexistent immunocyte abnormality. The commonest underlying pathology for systemic AA amyloidosis was leprosy. Notable among the types of localized amyloidosis revealed by this study were isolated atrial amyloidosis, which appeared to complicate chronic rheumatic heart disease, and intratumour amyloidosis complicating nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Other tumours in which amyloid deposits were observed included basal cell carcinoma, islet cell tumour and medullary carcinoma of the thyroid. Dystrophic amyloidosis was observed in fibrotic tissues, such as damaged cardiac valves and osteoarthritic joints. Heredofamilial amyloidosis, senile systemic amyloidosis and degenerative cerebral amyloidosis were notably absent from this study.

Carcinoma of the nasopharynx. Histopathological examination with supplementary immunohistochemistry

One hundred and one nasopharyngeal malignancies, clinically accepted and treated as carcinomas, were histologically reviewed. Originally, all of them had been given the histopathological diagnosis of carcinoma or possible carcinoma. A wide variety of diagnostic formulations had been used, some of them inconclusive. The review was based on strict morphological WHO criteria, and a definite diagnosis was attained in most cases. Three of the neoplasms, however, did not fulfil the criteria of carcinoma, and were given the diagnosis of malignant tumour, probable lymphoma. Immunohistochemistry with routinely processed tissue was performed on 69 of the poorly differentiated non-keratinizing neoplasms, including the three possible non-Hodgkin's malignant lymphomas. The neoplasms were positive for cytokeratin PKK1 with four exceptions: the three possible lymphomas and a large cell tumour with epithelial growth and prominent nucleoli which was found to be positive only for neurone-specific enolase. Two of three possible lymphomas were verified as such by being positive for leucocyte common antigen. This study showed that the WHO classification is quite useful when strictly applied. The histopathological diagnosis of this category of neoplasms can easily be confirmed by immunohistochemistry on routinely processed material and this adjunct can usually resolve questionable cases.

Tumor-associated tissue eosinophilia in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. A pathologic study of 422 primary and 138 metastatic tumors

A study of biopsy specimens from 422 consecutive primary nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPCs) revealed tumor-associated tissue eosinophilia (TATE) in a large proportion (26%) of the tumors. TATE occurred more frequently in nonkeratinizing carcinomas (NKC, 38%) than in the squamous (21%) or undifferentiated (23%) types. There was no sex predilection and no association with the presence of intratumor amyloid deposits. Stromal eosinophilia was also observed in 53 (38%) of 138 metastatic NPCs in lymph nodes, where it had occasionally led to confusion with Hodgkin's disease. TATE may be a feature of diagnostic importance in NPC, although its prognostic significance remains to be ascertained.

An investigation of the protein components of amyloid using immunoperoxidase and permanganate methods on tissue sections

Amyloid deposits in tissue from 8 patients with generalized primary amyloidosis, 11 patients with generalized secondary amyloidosis, 11 nasopharyngeal carcinomas, 11 basal cell carcinomas, 4 islet cell tumours, 4 medullary carcinomas of the thyroid and 9 cases of lichen amyloidosis were studied using the indirect immunoperoxidase and peroxidase-antiperoxidase methods with specific antisera against Amyloid A (AA) protein and human immunoglobulin lambda and kappa light chains. The permanganate method of Wright was also applied to tissue sections. Positive staining for AA protein was observed only in secondary amyloidosis. There was excellent correlation between AA positivity and permanganate sensitivity. Positivity for immunoglobulin light chains was not observed in secondary amyloidosis but was noted in 5 (63%) cases of primary amyloidosis and 18-27% of intratumour amyloidosis. Lichen amyloidosis did not stain for AA protein or light chains. It is shown that assessment of the permanganate reaction and AA positivity of amyloid deposits can reliably differentiate secondary from primary amyloidosis and may contribute significantly to selection of patients for appropriate therapy.