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Spindle-cell epithelial thymoma. Fine-structural and tumor lymphocyte observations
T A Seemayer1, L M Jerry, L Shapiro
1Department of Pathology, McGill University and Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|May 1, 1976
Summary
This study details a spindle-cell thymoma, differentiating it from hemangiopericytoma using electron microscopy. Findings suggest an epithelial origin and identify novel Langerhans
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Immunology
Background:
- Spindle-cell thymoma is a rare tumor with diagnostic challenges.
- Co-occurrence with autoimmune conditions like pemphigus and autoimmune hemolytic anemia is noted.
- Distinguishing thymoma from hemangiopericytoma requires detailed ultrastructural analysis.
Observation:
- Fine-structural analysis was performed on a spindle-cell thymoma.
- Comparisons were made with hemangiopericytoma ultrastructure.
- Langerhans' cell granules were observed in tumor cells of probable histiocytic origin.
Findings:
- Epithelial origin of the tumor is proposed based on tonofilaments, desmosomes, and lack of myofilaments.
- Langerhans' cell granules represent a novel finding in thymoma.
- Tumor lymphocytes showed E rosette formation, EAC rosette formation, but no surface immunoglobulin.
Implications:
- Clarifies the ultrastructural features differentiating spindle-cell thymoma from hemangiopericytoma.
- Highlights the potential presence of histiocytic cells and Langerhans' cells in thymoma.
- Provides insights into the immunological profile of lymphocytes within the thymoma microenvironment.