Epithelioid cell histiocytoma. A report of 10 cases including a new cellular variant

E J Glusac1, R J Barr, M A Everett

  • 1Department of Dermatology, University of California, Irvine.

Insights

Epithelioid cell histiocytoma, a variant of dermatofibroma, presents with distinct features. This study details ten cases, highlighting variations in presentation and cellularity.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatopathology
  • Histopathology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Epithelioid cell histiocytoma is a recognized variant of cutaneous fibrous histiocytoma (dermatofibroma).
  • Understanding its diverse presentations is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present ten cases of epithelioid cell histiocytoma.
  • To analyze their light microscopic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features.
  • To identify variations in presentation and cellular characteristics.

Main Methods:

  • Case series analysis.
  • Light microscopy examination.
  • Immunohistochemical staining (including Factor XIIIa).
  • Ultrastructural analysis.

Main Results:

  • Eight cases resembled previously reported epithelioid cell histiocytomas, appearing as elevated nodules on extremities with epidermal effacement.
  • Two cases exhibited similar morphology and immunohistochemistry (Factor XIIIa positive) but arose in the reticular dermis with increased cellularity.

Conclusions:

  • Epithelioid cell histiocytoma shows variability in clinical and histological presentation.
  • Factor XIIIa positivity is a key feature.
  • Recognition of these variants aids in differential diagnosis of cutaneous lesions.

Related Concept Videos

Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Overview01:22

Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Overview

Epithelial tissues are classified according to the shape of the cells and the number of cell layers formed. Cell shapes can be squamous (flattened and thin), cuboidal (square-like, as wide as it is tall), or columnar (rectangular, taller than it is wide). Additionally, the nucleus shape helps identify the type of epithelial cells. Squamous cells have flattened disc-shaped nuclei, cuboidal cells have spherical nuclei, and columnar cells have elongated nuclei.
Based on the number of cell layers,...
Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Simple Epithelium01:30

Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Simple Epithelium

Simple epithelium consists of a single layer of cells that lines body cavities and blood vessels. The shape of the cells in the epithelium reflects the function of the tissue. Cells in simple squamous epithelium appear as thin scales with flat, elliptical nuclei that mirror the form of the cell.
Because of the thinness of the cells, simple squamous epithelium is present where the rapid passage of chemical compounds is observed. For example, the endothelium that lines the capillaries and vessels...
Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Stratified Epithelium01:29

Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Stratified Epithelium

Stratified epithelium consists of several stacked layers of cells. They provide the durability to withstand constant physical and chemical attacks. Stratified epithelium is named after the shape of the most apical layer of cells. Stratified squamous epithelium is the most common type found in the human body. In this tissue, the apical cells are squamous, whereas the basal layer contains either columnar or cuboidal cells. The basal cells divide to form new daughter cells, which gradually become...
Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Glandular Epithelium01:20

Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Glandular Epithelium

The glandular epithelium is made of one or more epithelial cells modified to synthesize and secrete chemical substances. Glandular epithelia can be classified based on cell number. Unicellular glands have individual secretory cells scattered across the epithelial monolayer. In contrast, multicellular glands consist of a hollow tubular duct attached to the cluster of secretory cells located in the deep pockets.
Multicellular glands are formed during early development when epithelial budding...