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Filiform large-cell lymphomas. An ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study
The American Journal of Surgical Pathology
|May 1, 1987
Summary
This study reclassifies undifferentiated large-cell tumors. Ultrastructural analysis and immunohistochemistry reveal these tumors are nonepithelial and nonneuroectodermal, best categorized as non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Large-cell tumors present diagnostic challenges, often lacking clear epithelial or neuroectodermal features.
- Ultrastructural analysis reveals unique cellular morphology, including abundant filiform cytoplasmic projections without intercellular junctions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To ultrastructurally characterize ten cases of "undifferentiated" large-cell tumors.
- To determine the immunophenotype of these tumors using a panel of antibodies.
- To reclassify these tumors based on their cellular characteristics and marker expression.
Main Methods:
- Avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (ABC) technique applied to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections.
- Immunohistochemical staining using antibodies against keratins (Ker), vimentin (Vi), epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), S-100 protein, leucocyte common antigen (LCA), kappa (K) and lambda (L) light chains, Leu-M1, lysozyme (Ly), alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT), and alpha-1 antichymotrypsin (A1ACT).
Main Results:
- All ten cases were negative for keratins and EMA, but positive for vimentin.
- Leucocyte common antigen (LCA) was identified in seven cases; Leu-M1 staining was observed in two LCA-negative cases.
- No significant staining for lysozyme, alpha-1 antitrypsin, or alpha-1 antichymotrypsin was detected.
Conclusions:
- The immunophenotype indicates these tumors are nonepithelial and nonneuroectodermal.
- The findings support classification of these tumors as non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
- A potential origin from dendritic reticulum cells is considered for some filiform large-cell lymphomas.