Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
Generation and Expansion of Primary, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Tumor Lines
Published on: April 21, 2022
Malignant mesothelioma with intracytoplasmic crystalline inclusions
J Goedhals1, C A Beukes, S Cooper
1Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State and National Health Laboratory Services, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Insights
This study highlights a rare case of malignant epithelial mesothelioma diagnosed using electron microscopy. The tumor cells contained unique intracytoplasmic crystals, crucial for diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Oncology
- Electron Microscopy
Background:
- Malignant epithelial mesothelioma is a rare cancer.
- Diagnosis can be challenging due to subtle histological features.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old female presented with respiratory symptoms and chest pain.
- Histology revealed tumor cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm, eccentric nuclei, and intracytoplasmic crystals.
- Electron microscopy identified large, intracytoplasmic crystalloid inclusions.
Findings:
- The tumor cells exhibited features consistent with malignant epithelial mesothelioma.
- Presence of intracytoplasmic crystalloid inclusions was a key diagnostic finding.
- Electron microscopy was essential for definitive diagnosis due to limited clinical information.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of electron microscopy in diagnosing rare tumors.
- Recognizing intracytoplasmic crystals can aid in identifying malignant epithelial mesothelioma.
- Further research into the origin and significance of these crystalline inclusions is warranted.
Abstract:
A 60-year-old female presented with a history of hoarseness, cough, chest pain, and dyspnea and a needle biopsy sample was submitted for histology. Light microscopy showed sheets of tumor cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm containing multiple crystals and eccentrically located nuclei. Electron microscopy showed large intracytoplasmic crystalloid inclusions. No crystalloid structures were found extracellularly. The tumor cells also had long slender microvilli and cell junctions, the features being consistent with a malignant epithelial mesothelioma. In the authors' experience this is a rare finding. The clinical information initially received was poor and electron microscopy was essential in making the correct diagnosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
02:30Metastasis
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...