Chordoid tumor: a light, electron microscopic, and immunohistochemical study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Chordoid tumors are rare neoplasms histologically similar to chordoma.
• These tumors typically occur outside the axial skeleton.

Observation:

• A case of a soft tissue chordoid tumor in the gluteus maximus muscle of a 42-year-old man is presented.
• The tumor exhibited nodular growth, vacuolated cytoplasm, and myxomatous stroma.

Findings:

• Light microscopy revealed features identical to chordoma.
• Immunohistochemistry showed positive reactions for cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen.
• Electron microscopy confirmed desmosomes, intercellular lumina with microvilli, and basal lamina material.

Implications:

• This case adds to the limited literature on peripheral chordoid tumors.
• Understanding the distinct histological and ultrastructural features is crucial for diagnosis.
• Further research may elucidate the specific origins and behavior of these rare tumors.