The usefulness of electron microscopy in the diagnosis of human tumors

Ultrastructural features of neoplastic cells can provide clues for correct diagnosis when light microscopy fails. Secretory granules are characteristic in the following tumors: mucin granules in poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas, zymogen granules in acinic cell carcinomas, lysosomal granules in prostatic carcinomas, melanin granules in malignant melanoma, carcinoid, islet cell tumors, pheochromocytoma, and neuroblastoma granules in the corresponding neoplasms. Among cytoplasmic organelles, rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum characterizes adrenocortical, ovarian, and hepatocellular carcinomas and plasmacytomas. Tonofibrils are characteristic of squamous cell carcinomas. Glycogen deposits distinguish Ewing's sarcoma from lymphoreticular neoplasms. Intercellular relationships and membrane specialization are important features in the differential diagnosis of various undifferentiated tumors. The frequent resolution of difficult diagnostic problems by electron microscopy outweighs the disadvantages of this technique, such as the expense and time required.