Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2025
Author Spotlight: Genetically Engineered Mouse Models and Pathological Characterization of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Associated Tumors
Published on: May 17, 2024
Microreticular perineurioma: A new morphological subtype of a rare entity
Haneen T Salah1, Julieta A D'ardis1, Tyler Enos2
1Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA.
Abstract:
Perineurioma is a benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Several subtypes have been described, including plexiform, reticular, and sclerosing. The reticular variant has been previously described as having a net or lace-like growth pattern consisting of large anastomosing cords of spindle-shaped cells. We report a case of an 11-year-old male who presented with a 2-year history of a slowly enlarging, tan-white lesion on the finger. Microscopically, the lesion consisted of cells with ovoid nuclei and delicate, elongate cytoplasmic processes, arranged in a microreticular pattern. The lesional cells were markedly positive for epithelial membrane antigen and claudin-1. Based on these features and the unusual morphology, the case was called a microreticular perineuroma. The patient underwent complete excision of the lesion with no recurrence 9 months after follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of this morphologic variant. Awareness of this entity is important to avoid inappropriate management.
Insights
A rare microreticular perineuroma, a benign nerve sheath tumor, was identified in an 11-year-old male. This unique variant, presenting as a finger lesion, highlights the importance of recognizing unusual morphologies in peripheral nerve sheath tumors.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Surgical Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Perineurioma is a rare, benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor.
- Known subtypes include plexiform, reticular, and sclerosing variants.
- The reticular subtype exhibits a characteristic net-like growth pattern.
Observation:
- An 11-year-old male presented with a slowly enlarging tan-white finger lesion over two years.
- Microscopic examination revealed a lesion with spindle-shaped cells exhibiting ovoid nuclei and delicate cytoplasmic processes.
- The cells were arranged in a distinct microreticular pattern.
Findings:
- The lesional cells demonstrated strong positivity for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and claudin-1.
- The unique microscopic features led to the classification of this case as a microreticular perineuroma.
- This represents the first reported case of this specific morphologic variant.
Implications:
- Recognition of microreticular perineuroma is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate patient management.
- This finding expands the spectrum of known perineuroma subtypes.
- Complete surgical excision resulted in no recurrence at nine months, suggesting a favorable prognosis for this variant.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Reticular Dermis
Reticular Layer
Underlying the papillary layer is the much thicker reticular layer, composed of dense, irregular connective...
01:11Papillary Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen...