Fine-needle aspiration of granulocytic sarcomas: a morphologic and immunophenotypic study of seven cases

Granulocytic sarcoma is an uncommon extramedullary, solid tumor of myeloid cells. Only rarely has this entity been diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology. This report encompasses the cytologic findings of FNAs from seven patients with granulocytic sarcomas, including four male and three female patients with a mean age of 52 years (range, 12 to 77 years). The aspirates were obtained from skin or subcutaneous tissue (four cases), testis (one case), posterior ileum (one case), lymph node (one case), and abdominal washing (one case). Morphology of the aspirates varied from well-differentiated to poorly differentiated cells showing little or no evidence of myeloid differentiation. Thorough search for evidence of myeloid differentiation and a high index of suspicion of granulocytic sarcoma are of paramount importance. In three cases, flow cytometric and immunocytochemical studies were applied to the FNA materials to confirm the myeloid lineage of the cells and the diagnosis. In the other four cases more than one site was involved by the tumor; once the diagnosis of granulocytic sarcoma was established with a biopsy, the FNA sufficed to confirm the diagnosis at another location. This study demonstrates that FNA cytology in conjunction with appropriate immunophenotyping can provide an accurate diagnosis of granulocytic sarcoma. Fine-needle aspiration can reduce the need for surgical intervention when combined with immunophenotypic studies and when additional anatomic sites are involved.     

t(5;12)(q13;p13) in acute myeloid leukemia with preceding granulocytic sarcoma

A 56-year-old woman was brought to the emergency room with gum swelling and pain. Biopsy of the gingiva revealed sheet-like proliferation of myeloperoxidase and CD45-positive large cells, and she was diagnosed with granulocytic sarcoma. Two years later, bone marrow involvement of granulocytic sarcoma was suspected. Her chromosome study repeatedly revealed a 46,XX,t(5;12)(q13;p13) karyotype. Case reports of t(5;12)(q13;p13) are extremely rare in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first report of t(5;12)(q13;p13) in a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia with preceding granulocytic sarcoma.     

Granulocytic sarcoma in the absence of acute myeloid leukemia: a case report

Granulocytic sarcoma is an extramedullary tumor composed of immature granulocytic precursor cells. The most common sites of presentation are bone, periosteum, soft tissue, lymph node, skin, and infrequently small intestine. The tumor may develop during the course of acute myeloid leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia or other myelodysplastic disorders. It can occur without blood or bone marrow manifestations of leukemia and in this case, the diagnosis is difficult. Our patient was initially diagnosed as a case of T-cell non Hodgkin's lymphoma and received one cycle of CHOP with only transient improvement in his symptoms. Subsequently, his biopsy slides were reviewed at our centre and were reported as granulocytic sarcoma.     

Primary alveolar soft part sarcoma of the lung

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare epithelial-like soft tissue sarcoma. The two main sites of its occurrence are the lower extremities in adults and the head and neck in children. Primary pulmonary involvement of this sarcoma, without evidence of soft tissue tumor elsewhere, is very exceptional. We present a case of primary ASPS of the lung in a 42-yr-old woman. A computed tomographic scan of the thorax demonstrated a well-circumscribed, solid tumor located in the right upper lobe. The mass was resected by right upper lobectomy. After 5 months, three metastatic lesions, involving lumbar vertebrae and occipital scalp, were found. Histologically, the tumor consisted of alveolar nests of large polygonal tumor cells, the cytoplasm of which frequently revealed periodic acid-Schiff-positive, diastase-resistant intracytoplasmic rod-like structures. On immunohistochemical staining, the tumor cells were positive only for vimentin and alpha-smooth muscle actin. Ultrastructural study using electron microscopy revealed characteristic electron-dense, rhomboid intracytoplasmic crystals.     

Alveolar soft part sarcoma, granular cell tumor, and paraganglioma. An immunohistochemical comparative study

Five cases of alveolar soft part sarcoma, 5 cases of granular cell tumor, and 6 cases of paraganglioma were investigated immunohistochemically to examine the expression of tissue-specific intermediate filaments (cytokeratin, vimentin, desmin, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP], actin, myoglobin, and nervous tissue markers (S-100 protein, neuron-specific enolase, and Leu-7). In alveolar soft part sarcomas, some of the tumor cells were positive for desmin, but negative for nervous tissue markers. The tumor cells of granular cell tumors were stained with anti-S-100 protein antibody, but not with anti-neuron-specific enolase antibody. In contrast, the tumor cells of paragangliomas were positive for neuron-specific enolase, but not for S-100 protein except for stellate cells surrounding the tumor cell nests. This immunohistochemical approach was valuable for the differential diagnosis of these three tumors. Furthermore, the complete absence of cytokeratin in all of the tumor cells may be helpful in distinguishing these three tumors from metastatic carcinoma in soft tissue. The histogenesis of alveolar soft part sarcoma is a matter of controversy. The result that besides desmin actin was also demonstrated in some of the tumor cells may support the myogenic origin of this tumor.     

ALVEOLAR SOFT PART SARCOMA, GRANULAR CELL TUMOR, AND PARAGANGLIOMA: An Immunohistochemical Comparative Study

Five cases of alveolar soft part sarcoma, 5 cases of granular cell tumor, and 6 cases of paraganglioma were Investigated immunohistochemically to examine the expression of tissue-specific intermediate filaments (cytokeratin, vimentin, desmin, and glial flbrillary acidic protein (GFAP)), actin, myoglobin, and nervous tissue markers (S-100 protein, neuron-specific enolase, and Leu-7). In alveolar soft part sarcomas, some of the tumor cells were positive for desmin, but negative for nervous tissue markers. The tumor cells of granular cell tumors were stained with anti-S-100 protein antibody, but not with antineuron-specific enolase antibody. In contrast, the tumor cells of paragang-liomas were positive for neuron-specific enolase, but not for S-100 protein except for stellate cells surrounding the tumor cell nests. This immunohisto-chemical approach was valuable for the differential diagnosis of these three tumors. Furthermore, the complete absence of cytokeratin in all of the tumor cells may be helpful in distinguishing these three tumors from metastatic carcinoma in soft tissue. The histogenesis of alveolar soft part sarcoma is a matter of controversy. The result that besides desmin actin was also demonstrated in some of the tumor cells may support the myogenic origin of this tumor. ACTA     

Granulocytic sarcoma of the hard palate: Report of the first case

A case of granulocytic sarcoma of the hard palate in an elderly woman is presented. The diagnosis was suspected on the basis of histologic findings in routine tissue sections and confirmed by cytochemical and electron microscopic studies. No systemic evidence of myeloid leukemia or of any other myeloproliferative disorder was documented in the patient, who died of an unrelated cause shortly after diagnosis.     

Granulocytic Sarcoma in MLL-Positive Infant Acute Myelogenous Leukemia : Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization Study of Childhood Acute Myelogenous Leukemia for Detecting MLL Rearrangement

Granulocytic sarcoma is considered to be rare and its frequent occurrence is associated with specific genetic changes such as t(8;21). To investigate an association between MLL (mixed lineage leukemia or myeloid-lymphoid leukemia) rearrangement and granulocytic sarcoma, we applied fluorescence in situ hybridization for detection of the 11q23/MLL rearrangements on the bone marrow cells of 40 patients with childhood acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Nine (22.5%) of 40 patients exhibited MLL rearrangements. Three (33.3%) of these nine patients had granulocytic sarcoma and were younger than 12 months of age. Of these three patients one presented as granulocytic sarcoma of both testes with cerebrospinal fluid involvement, the second case presented in the form of an abdominal mass, and the third as a periorbital granulocytic sarcoma. On the other hand, no granulocytic sarcomas were found among MLL-negative patients. It is likely that MLL-positive infant AML may predispose granulocytic sarcoma. Regarding the findings of our study and those of other reports, we would guess that the incidence of granulocytic sarcoma in pediatric MLL-positive AML may be equal to or greater than the 18 to 24% described in AML with t(8;21). Further investigations designed to identify 11q23/MLL abnormalities of leukemic cells or extramedullary tumor may be helpful for the precise diagnosis of granulocytic sarcoma.     

Granulocytic sarcoma of breast: an aleukemic presentation

Granulocytic sarcoma is a rare extramedullary tumor composed of immature myeloid cells. It is usually associated with leukemia or other myeloproliferative disorders but can also occur without overt hematologic diseases. The breast is an uncommon site of presentation and requires a high index of suspicion for diagnosis. We report such a case in a 45-year-old female, who presented with nontender left breast lump of 6 months' duration. A peripheral smear and bone marrow examination at that time was normal. A lumpectomy was done. An H and E diagnosis of lobular carcinoma vs. non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was entertained. Immunostains, however, revealed myeloperoxidase, naphthol AS-D chloroacetate esterase and CD43 positivity, indicating a diagnosis of granulocytic sarcoma. It appears that early initiation of systemic AML-type chemotherapy is beneficial and may delay or avert the development of AML in bone marrow and blood. Eight months later, the patient presented with an orbital mass; bone marrow and peripheral smear involvement by AML.     

粒细胞肉瘤38例临床病理分析

目的 探讨粒细胞肉瘤的临床病理特征及鉴别诊断.方法 对38例粒细胞肉瘤患者的病理组织进行HE及免疫组织化学(EnVision法)染色观察,结合临床资料进行分析,并复习相关文献.结果 患者发病年龄2～77岁,平均年龄43.3岁,男23例,女15例.临床主要表现为体表淋巴结肿大、局部软组织肿块及疼痛.其中随访18例,死亡14例,平均生存时间16.9个月.组织学表现为肿瘤细胞弥漫成片,小～中等大小,形态较一致,胞质少而淡染,核呈圆形或不规则形,可见核仁,核分裂象易见.部分肿瘤具有"列兵样"组织结构,肿瘤细胞间可见散在分布的幼稚嗜酸性粒细胞.免疫组织化学染色显示瘤细胞表达抗髓过氧化物酶、CD43,部分表达CD68、溶菌酶、CD99和末端脱氧核苷酸转移酶,而CD3、CD20、CD79a、AE1/AE3和胎盘碱性磷酸酶阴性.结论 粒细胞肉瘤临床少见,形态学上易误诊为非霍奇金淋巴瘤、Ewing肉瘤/PNET、胚胎性横纹肌肉瘤等,免疫组织化学技术对于确诊本病具有重要价值.     

Cotyledonoid leiomyoma of the uterus

In the growing knowledge of rare interesting tumors, the cotyledonoid leiomyoma is a tumor with an alarming appearance, of benign nature, but dealt with undue severity. We report a case of cotyledonoid leiomyoma in a 40 yr old female who presented with urinary retention and in whom a clinical diagnosis of uterine fibroid was made. On laparotomy, friable nodules were seen in the lower part of the uterus. Hence the diagnosis of sarcoma was considered and total abdominal hysterectomy with unilateral salpingo-oopherectomy was done. The friable nodules were removed piecemeal. Microscopic examination revealed nodules of bland looking smooth muscle cells arranged in-interlacing fascicles with perinodular hydropic degeneration. Necrosis or nuclear atypia was not seen. Increased awareness of this grossly alarming variant of benign leiomyoma can help avoid over treatment.     

Complex pathological diagnosis of granulocytic sarcoma: apropos of a case

The diagnosis of granulocytic sarcoma can be very difficult when there is no demonstrable abnormality in the peripheral blood or bone marrow. We present the diagnostic algorithm of granulocytic sarcoma by reporting on a case mimicking large cell lymphoma without previous manifestation of acute myeloid leukemia or a myeloproliferative disorder. After standard histoprocessing, we used immunohistochemical and molecular biological methods to analyze our case. The lymph node showed diffuse infiltration of immature blast cells resembling large cell lymphoma. However, immunohistochemistry did not support this diagnosis. The tumor cells showed LCA, bcl-2, CD43, CD34 and myeloperoxidase positivity. We also detected bcl-2 gene rearrangement. In case of a lack of a specific histological picture, particularly in poorly differentiated tumors, only some minor histological signs in combination with immunohistochemistry and molecular diagnostic methods can help to render the correct diagnosis.     

T-cell lymphoma mimicking granulocytic sarcoma

A case of diffuse large cell lymphoma is described in which eosinophils and eosinophilic myelocytes were admixed with the neoplastic lymphoid cells. Because of the eosinophilic myelocytes, a diagnosis of granulocytic sarcoma was initially considered. No abnormalities of peripheral blood or bone marrow were found. Immunohistochemical studies of lymph node tissue demonstrated membrane antigens consistent with a lymphoma of helper T-cells. Small lymphoid cells with markedly irregular nuclei were present but rather inconspicuous among the larger lymphoid cells. Although a clinical remission was attained, the patient had a relapse with central nervous system involvement.     

Mediastinal mature teratoma with coexistence of angiosarcoma, granulocytic sarcoma and a hematopoietic region in the tumor: A rare case of association between hematological malignancy and mediastinal germ cell tumor

An association between mediastinal germ cell tumors (MGCT) and hematological malignancies (e.g. acute leukemia, malignant histlocytosis) has been recognized since 1984. A rare case of mediastinal mature teratoma with angiosarcoma, a hematopoietic region and granulocytic sarcoma is reported in a 29-year-old male. The resected tumor was 9.0 × 6.5 cm, weighed 65 g and showed extensive necrosis, forming a cyst. The hlstological features of the tumor showed a mature teratoma, which contained a large gland lined by ciliated epithelium, hyalinous cartilage, a paraganglion-like structure, well-diierentiated angiosarcoma with atypical hematopoiesis composed of CD34-positive cells, and mallgnant round cells. The malignant round cells did not stain for CD34 but were positive for leukocyte common antigen (LCA) and c-kit product. From these findings, the round cells were dlagnosed as granulocytic sarcoma. The patient died of metastasis of the granulocytic sarcoma in the tonsils and cervical lymph nodes 8 months after surgery. A leukemic condition was not present throughout the clinical course. The association between MGCT and hematological malignancy is a distinctive syndrome. However, its pathogenesis is still obscure and the origin of the hematopoietic malignancy has not been fully elucidated. In this particular case, it Is suggested that the granulocytic sarcoma might have arisen from the abnormal hematopoietlc area in the mediastlnal teratoma.     

Meningeal granulocytic sarcoma without evidence of leukemia

Summary An unusual case of meningeal granulocytic sarcoma without evidence of Leukemia is presented. The patient, a 40 year old female, presented with a chronic subdural haematoma. Three months later a large meningeal tumor was discovered adjacent to the previous haematoma and was found to be a granulocytic sarcoma by the use of electron microscopy.The tumor was treated by surgical excision followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The patient remains free of symptoms and without evidence of leukemia in the peripheral blood or bone marrow 9 months after the diagnosis was established.The ultrastructural findings in the tumor and diagnostic difficulties often encountered are emphasized.     

A hepatic tumor associated with bilateral renal angiomyolipomas: A variant of angiomyolipoma?

Angiomyolipoma is usually derived from the kidney and composed of well developed vessels, smooth muscle and fat tissue. The liver is the only extra-renal site of angiomyolipoma. A peculiar type of hepatic tumor accompanied by bilateral renal angiomyolipomas is reported here. The tumor was mostly composed of large epithelioid cells and a small part of hyalinized large vessels and foam cell infiltration. Mature adipose tissue was absolutely absent. Epithelioid tumor cells arranged in an alveolar pattern had abundant glycogen and some diastase-resistant periodic acid-Schiff granules without obvious crystals. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that the epithelioid cells were positive for melanoma specific antibody (HMB-45), S-100 protein, aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase and focally a-smooth muscle actin. Many melanosome- or premelanosome-like, electron-dense granules were observed in these cells. Thus, these cells were characterized by differentiation to both immature melanocytes and smooth muscle ceils. These epithelioid cells were similar to some cells in the renal angiomyolipomas of the same patient. The hepatic tumor was considered to be a result of monotonous proliferation of the epithelioid cells seen in renal angiomyolipoma. Differential diagnosis of this tumor was discussed.     

Granulocytic sarcoma simulating “nonsecretory” multiple myeloma

A case of granulocytic sarcoma without the peripheral blood findings of myelogenous leukemia is described. The patient was a 33 year old male who developed numerous osteolytic lesions. On the basis of examination of bone marrow material, an initial diagnosis of “nonsecretory” multiple myeloma was made. Subsequent studies by electron microscopy and enzymatic histochemistry revealed the neoplastic cells to be composed of early myelogenous precursors indicative of granulocytic sarcoma.     

Unusual presentation of granulocytic sarcoma in the breast: a case report and review of the literature

This is a case of granulocytic sarcoma presenting as bilateral breast masses in a 40-yr-old woman with concurrent unsuspected chronic myeloid leukemia diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration. The granulocytic differentiation was recognized on Diff-Quik-stained cytology smears and confirmed rapidly on flow cytometry on the same day. The breast has been reported to be an uncommon site for granulocytic sarcoma. We found that 38.8% of granulocytic sarcomas diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration in the English-language literature occurred in the breast. In the absence of clinical history or hematological abnormality, granulocytic sarcoma may be misdiagnosed, depending on the degree of myeloid differentiation present within the tumor. The differential diagnosis includes large-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, lobular carcinoma of the breast, undifferentiated carcinoma, malignant melanoma, extramedullary hemopoiesis and inflammation. The key morphological features and useful ancillary tests are discussed.     

Unsuspected gastric granulocytic sarcoma in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome.

Granulocytic sarcoma (GS) is an uncommon and localized extramedullary tumor composed of immature granulocytic cells. Most GS reported in large series were not associated with overt acute myelogenous leukemia. Gastric perforation occurred during prednisolone therapy in a 72-year-old Japanese male with a four-month history of a myelofibrosis-like state. Subtotal gastrectomy was performed for a suspected gastric ulcer perforation. Gastric histologic, immunohistochemical and cytochemical examination revealed diffuse infiltration by sheets of myeloblasts and promyelocytes with scant or moderately abundant cytoplasm including a few eosinophilic myelocytes. Bone marrow study done in one month after the operation disclosed refractory anemia with excess of blasts (RAEB). Leukemic transformation occurred two months later, and a subcutaneous tumor appeared on the forehead. The forehead tumor predominantly consisted of myeloblasts without evidence of maturation. Both the stomach and forehead tumors were examined immunohistochemically with a panel of monoclonal antibodies (LCA, L26, MT1, UCHL1, OPD4, LN-1, LN-2, LN-3, MB1, Leu-M1, PM) and polyclonal antibodies (lysozyme, alpha 1-antitrypsin, alpha 1-antichymotrypsin, S-100 protein, lactoferrin), as well as naphthol-ASD-chloroacetate esterase staining to investigate and characterize the reliable marks for GS, and the patient was diagnosed as GS. We found that gastric GS may occur in a myelofibrosis-like state followed by RAEB of myelodysplastic syndrome and that naphthol-ASD-chloroacetate esterase staining and immunohistochemical detection of MT1, lysozyme, and alpha 1-antitrypsin were the most reliable markers for confirming the diagnosis of GS.