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Isolation and Characterization of Tumor-initiating Cells from Sarcoma Patient-derived Xenografts
Published on: June 13, 2019
[Follicular dendritic reticulum cell sarcoma in a cervical lymph node]
1Universitäts-Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Klinik, Klinikum Mannheim. frank.riedel@hno.ma.uni-heidelberg.de
Insights
Follicular dendritic cell (FDC) sarcoma is a rare tumor presenting as cervical lymph node swelling. This case highlights FDC sarcoma as a potential primary tumor in the neck, not always a metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) are crucial for B cell follicle structure and germinal center reactions.
- FDC sarcoma is an exceptionally rare malignant neoplasm arising from these cells.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old male presented with persistent cervical lymphadenopathy.
- Biopsy revealed a tumor composed of atypical spindle cells.
- Immunophenotypic analysis confirmed FDC sarcoma with CD21 and CD68 expression.
Findings:
- The study identifies a rare case of FDC sarcoma in a cervical lymph node.
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed the tumor's origin from follicular dendritic cells.
Implications:
- FDC sarcoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of tumors with uncertain origin in the head and neck region (cervical lymph nodes, tonsils, soft palate, nasopharynx).
- Cervical lymph node sarcomas may represent primary tumors rather than metastases, impacting clinical management.
Abstract:
Follicular dendritic cells (FDC) constitute an essential component of B cell follicles, normally serving as antigen-presenting cells and as cells regulating the germinal center reaction. FDC sarcoma is a very rare tumor. We report the case of a 55-year-old male patient who showed persistent cervical lymph node swelling. On biopsy the tumor consisted of spindle cells with nuclear atypia. Immunophenotypic investigation of the tumor tissue revealed a FDC sarcoma of a cervical lymph node. The tumor cells were characterized immunohistochemically especially by the expression of CD21 and focal expression of CD68. In conclusion, FDC sarcoma has to be considered in cases of tumors of uncertain origin in cervical lymph nodes, tonsils, soft palate, or nasopharynx. For clinical practice, it is important to note that sarcomas in cervical lymph nodes are not necessarily metastases but can be primary tumors.
