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Ultrastructural study of a black insulinoma
G Illyés1, M J Bucsek, A Kádár
12nd Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University of Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
Ultrastructural Pathology
|September 1, 1993
Summary
This study reports a rare black insulinoma, a pancreatic tumor. The black pigment originated from tumor cell granules, contributing to lipofuscin formation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Insulinomas are rare pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
- Tumor pigmentation is an uncommon presentation.
Observation:
- A case of a black insulinoma is presented.
- The unusual color was attributed to a cytoplasmic pigment within tumor cells.
Findings:
- Immunostaining confirmed tumor cells positive for neuron-specific enolase and chromogranin.
- Pigment granules within the tumor cells reacted positively with chromogranin antibodies.
- Electron microscopy revealed numerous beta cell type dense core granules and atypical granules.
- Dense core granules were identified as a source of lipofuscin pigment formation.
Implications:
- This finding expands the understanding of insulinoma morphology.
- It highlights the potential for pigment formation in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
- Further research may explore the clinical significance of pigment in insulinomas.