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Published on: August 7, 2019
Primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the kidney. A report of two cases diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology
Chennagiri S Premalata1, Muniyappa Gayathri Devi, Siddarth Biswas
1Cytopathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, M. H. Marigowda Road, Bangalore, India 560029. prema_venka@hotmail.com
Background:
Primitive neurocetodermal tumors (PNETs) constitute a family of neoplasms of presumed neuroectrodermal origin most often presenting as bone or soft tissue masses. There are very few reported cases of PNET of the kidney and none diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), to the best of our knowledge, in the world literature. We present two cases of renal PNET diagnosed on cytology.
Cases:
Two patients with renal masses were diagnosed as having PNET on FNAC. Cytologically the tumors showed a dispersed population of malignant small round cells with focal rosette formation and perivascular arrangement of tumor cells. Immunohistochemistry on the cell blocks in both cases showed strong membrane positivity for CD99 (MIC2). Cytogenetic studies in both cases showed the characteristic t(11;22)(q24;q12) translocation, with additional chromosomal abnormalities in case 2.
Conclusion:
PNET of the kidney is a distinct entity and can be diagnosed on fine needle aspiration smears and confirmed with immunohistochemistry and cytogenetic studies. A diagnosis of PNET must be included in the differential diagnosis of renal masses in adolescents and young adults.
Insights
Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) of the kidney are rare but diagnosable via fine needle aspiration cytology. This method aids in identifying renal masses in young adults.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cytopathology
- Genetics
Background:
- Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) are rare neoplasms, typically affecting bone and soft tissues.
- Renal PNETs are exceptionally uncommon, with no prior diagnoses reported via fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).
Observation:
- Two cases of renal masses were diagnosed as PNET using FNAC.
- Cytology revealed small, round malignant cells with rosette formation and perivascular arrangement.
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed CD99 (MIC2) positivity, and cytogenetics identified the t(11;22) translocation.
Findings:
- FNAC is a viable method for diagnosing renal PNET.
- Immunohistochemistry and cytogenetics are crucial for confirmation.
- Renal PNET is a distinct entity.
Implications:
- PNET should be considered in the differential diagnosis of renal masses in adolescents and young adults.
- Early diagnosis via FNAC can guide treatment strategies for renal PNET.
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