Verruciform Genital-Associated (Vegas) Xanthoma: report of a patient with verruciform xanthoma of the scrotum and literature review

BACKGROUND

Verruciform xanthoma is a benign verrucous lesion characterized by epithelial acanthosis and lipid-laden foamy histiocytes in the connective tissue papillae. It typically presents as a papillomatous, polypoid, or sessile lesion. Verruciform xanthoma is most commonly observed within the oral cavity. However, albeit less frequently, it develops on the penis, scrotum, or vulva.

PURPOSE

  We describe the clinical and pathologic findings of a man who developed a verruciform xanthoma on his scrotum. We also summarize the associated conditions, the differential diagnosis, the postulated pathogenesis, and the treatment options for this tumor.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

  The features of a man with a scrotal verruciform xanthoma are presented. Using PubMed, the following terms were searched and relevant citations assessed: anogenital, foam cells, penis, scrotum, verruciform, verruciform xanthoma, vulva, and xanthoma. In addition, the literature on verruciform xanthoma is reviewed.

RESULTS

  Our patient developed an asymptomatic, exophytic, red filiform papule on his scrotum. A shave biopsy, attempting to remove the entire lesion, was performed. Based on correlation of the clinical presentation and histopathologic findings, a diagnosis of verruciform xanthoma was established. The patient applied mupirocin 2% ointment to the biopsy site, which subsequently healed without complication or recurrence.

CONCLUSION

  Verruciform xanthoma is a benign tumor commonly located within the oral cavity and characterized by the development of a small verrucous, papillomatous, polypoid, or sessile growth. Extraoral sites of verruciform xanthoma often include the penis, scrotum, or vulva; we introduce the term 'Vegas' (Verruciform Genital-Associated) xanthoma for these lesions. The lesions are often mistaken for viral warts or malignancies.  Although the mechanism of pathogenesis is unknown, verruciform xanthoma may have a multifactorial etiology involving inflammation, local immunosuppression, and/or metabolic dysfunction. It has also been postulated that verruciform xanthoma is a secondary reaction to trauma-induced epithelial damage or degeneration. A biopsy for histopathologic examination is required to diagnose verruciform xanthoma. The treatment of verruciform xanthoma typically involves simple surgical excision.

Two friends with eroded nodules on the ears: atypical fibroxanthoma case report

Atypical fibroxanthoma is an uncommon mesenchymal tumor that manifests clinically as a reddish papule or nodule in sun-exposed areas of the body. The clinical presentation is not specific and histology and immunohistochemistry are both necessary for a correct diagnosis. Surgery is the gold standard of therapy. Recurrence and metastasis should be excluded with a follow-up at 6 months, since this tumor should nowadays be considered a medium-grade neoplasm, rather than low-grade as previously believed. We report the case of two friends who came to our hospital during the same period, complaining of very similar lesions. After biopsy and immunohistochemical examination, a diagnosis of atypical fibroxanthoma in both cases was formulated.

Cerebellar pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1: a case report and literature review

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is an uncommon tumor of young adults that typically occurs supratentorially. It is generally considered to be a low-grade, circumscribed tumor that when treated by surgical resection has a relatively favorable outcome. Cases of cerebellar PXA are rare, and those associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are even less common, with only 2 cases reported to date. We present herein a third case of PXA-NF1 with unusual features. A 33-year-old woman presented with a history of headache. Her medical and family history was significant for NF1. Brain MRI revealed a 3.4 cm ill-defined lesion with a gyriform enhancing pattern in the left cerebellum, superficially mimicking Lhermitte-Duclos disease. The patient underwent a gross total resection of the lesion and had an unremarkable postoperative course. While the lesion had histological features typical of "pure" PXA (WHO grade II) it had an unusual growth pattern with thickening of the superficial cerebellar folia and predominant leptomeningeal involvement. No BRAF, IDH-1, or IDH-2 mutation was identified. Three months after surgery, local recurrence was detected, and the patient was treated with radiation therapy. One year after the first surgery, she underwent surgical resection of the recurrent/residual tumor. Histologically, the recurrent tumor showed very similar features to the initially resected tumor, with no anaplastic features. Most cerebellar PXAs have an indolent clinical behavior as do most cerebral PXAs. Whether co-existence of NF1 was a factor in altering the clinical course and biologic behavior of this patient's tumor is currently unknown.

Xanthomatous hypophysitis

We present a 69-year-old woman who presented with chronic headaches and was found to have a pituitary mass on MRI, which was biopsied and said to be lymphocytic hypophysitis. The woman was placed on prednisone and followed with routine eye examinations. Two years later, the lesion gradually increased in size and the woman developed a decrease in peripheral vision in the right eye. An MRI showed abutment of the right optic nerve by the mass. A repeat endoscopic transsphenoidal biopsy/resection of the pituitary lesion was performed. Histopathological analysis of the specimen was consistent with diagnosis of xanthomatous hypophysitis (XH). XH is an inflammatory disorder of the pituitary gland characterized by an infiltration of lipid-laden histiocytes, also known as xanthoma cells. The mass was biopsied and a diagnosis of lymphocytic hypophysitis was made. The woman reported improved visual acuity and peripheral vision postoperatively. One year after the second resection, her visual symptoms worsened. Repeat MRI revealed expansion of the residual pituitary tissue. She was referred to the radiation oncology department for external beam radiation therapy and was placed on a maintenance dose of steroids. Since undergoing radiation therapy, her vision has improved slightly and her 3month MRI revealed stable lesion size. This woman illustrates a rare pituitary pathology presented with a literature review of published patients describing xanthomatous hypophysitis. A discussion of the clinical presentation, epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, histology and treatment is provided.

[Bone liposclerosing myxofibrous tumor. Case presentation and literature review]

The bone liposclerosing myxofibrous tumor (LSMFT) was initially described by Ragsdale in 1986 as a polymorphic fibroosseous bone lesion with a mix of histologic elements that include lipoma, fibroxanthoma, myxoma, myxofibroma, fat necrosis, ischemic ossification, areas of fibrous dysplasia, and infrequent presence of cartilage or cystic changes. The most frequently reported location is the intertrochanteric area of the femur. Radiologically it is a lytic, geographic lesion, with well-defined margins and usually sclerotic. In some cases findings include mineralization inside the lesion or a certain degree of expansion to the contour. The close relationship between LSMFT and fibrous dysplasia has been described based on the histologic characteristics and the presence of the Gsα mutation. Another hypothesis of the etiology of the lesion is the reaction of fibrous dysplasia to stress.

[Sclerosing acral skin perineurioma: clinicopathologic study of ten cases (eight classical and two with xanthomatous changes)]

INTRODUCTION

Perineurioma is an infrequent and benign cutaneous neoplasm characterized by proliferation of perineurial cells. It is classified into two main types: intraneural and the extraneural or soft tissue perineurioma, in which the sclerosing variant is included. Sclerosing perineurioma is more frequently found on acral skin. Clinically, they are well-circumscribed,skin colored, nodular tumors.

OBJECTIVE

Describe and communicate clinicopathologic findings from a case series of sclerosing acral perineurioma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a clinical, morphological and immunohistologic case study of eight patients with the diagnosis of sclerosing perineurioma.

RESULTS

It included five men and five women, with ages ranging between nine and 66 years. All of them had lesion on acral skin. At microscopy study, the lesions showed a proliferation of epithelioid and spindle-shaped perineurial cells, arranged in small aggregates and short fascicles between thickened collagen bundles. Immunohistochemistry studies revealed that the proliferating cells expressed EMA, Claudin-1 and Glut-1, and were negative for S-100 protein.

CONCLUSIONS

It is important to report these infrequent skin tumors, so they can be taken into account in the differential diagnoses of acral lesions.

XANTHOMA-INDUCING β-LIPOPROTEIN IMMUNE COMPLEXES

Untreated rabbits and rabbits sensitized with human beta-lipoproteins were intracutaneously injected with either human or rabbit beta-lipoproteins (2 mg as protein). Forty-eight hours later, at the human beta-lipoprotein injection site, dense cell infiltrations stood out sharply demarcated from the surrounding region. The infiltrating cells were composed of polymorphonuclear cells, nuclear dust and histiocytes. Foam cell nests were observed in sensitized rabbit dermis one week after human beta-lipoprotein injection. Direct immunofluorescence employing fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled antihuman beta-lipoprotein antiserum showed that the injected human beta-lipoproteins were incorporated into the infiltrating cells of sensitized rabbit dermis up to 48 hours after injection. Specific fluorescence was greatly reduced but lipid autofluorescence remained in mature foam cells. During the 3-week examination period, no trace of foam cell nests was found at the site of human beta-lipoprotein injection on non-sensitized rabbits. Intracutaneous rabbit beta-lipoprotein injection revealed no histiocytic infiltrations in either sensitized or non-sensitized rabbits. These findings indicated that intracutaneously injected human beta-lipoporteins were incorporated into rabbit dermal histiocytes more easily in aggregated immune complex form than in their natural state. These histiocytes were easily transformed to foam cells. Apoproteins of the incorporated lipoproteins were degraded, and lipid residues accumulated in mature foam cells.

IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF HUMAN XANTHOMA

Specimens of human tuberous xanthomas obtained from two hyper-beta-lipoproteinemic patients were prepared with HE and Sudan III stain and by direct immunofluorescence with fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled antihuman beta-lipoprotein rabbit serum. In some histiocytes and foam cells in early stages, lipids were stained in granular patterns and specific fluorescence was observed. In some foam cell nests, specific fluorescence was weak or absent, and orange-colored lipid autofluorescence was present. The foam cells in such nests were probably late foam cells and corresponded to the large cytoplasmic foam cells stained densely and amorphously for lipids. It was concluded that at early stages of xanthoma formation, serum lipoproteins were incorporated into dermal histiocytes and early foam cells. The apoproteins of the incorporated lipoproteins were probably degraded and lipid residues accumulated in the cells. Specimens of tuberous xanthoma covered by plane xanthoma showed lipids and bright specific fluorescence at the basement membrane zone. A faint fluorescence was observed in the upper dermis and even in parts of the epidermal intercellular spaces.

Isolated Xanthoma Of The Sphenoid Sinus: A Rare Presentation

OBJECTIVE

To present the first case in the English literature of a sphenoid xanthoma.

METHODS

Case Report

DISCUSSION

A 36 year-old Hispanic female with past medical history of Hashimoto's hypothyroidism and family history of hyperlipidemia that presented with a 1-year history of sporadic left sided epistaxis. A paranasal sinus Computed Tomography (CT) was performed revealing a soft tissue lesion infiltrating the left sphenoid sinus. Patient underwent endoscopic sinus sphenoidotomy with intraoperative findings of a yellow-tan, friable soft tissue mass filling the left sphenoid sinus. Biopsies were taken which exhibited histologically findings consistent with a xanthoma.

CONCLUSION

In a patient with hyperlipidemia isolated lesions on paransasal sinuses can be related to xanthoma formation.

Gastric Hyperplastic Polyp with Xanthoma Observed by Magnification Narrow-Band Imaging Endoscopy and Endoscopic Ultrasonography : Report of a Case

We experienced an extremely rare case of gastric hyperplastic polyp with xanthoma. A 73-year-old Japanese man was transferred to our hospital from a referral hospital for further evaluation of a pedunculated gastric polyp and early gastric cancer. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed a yellow-whitish pedunculated polyp arising from the anterior wall of the fornix. Magnification narrow-band imaging (NBI) endoscopy revealed extended and tortuous microcapillaries and a swollen interfoveolar pattern on the polyp's surface, but there was no sign of malignancy. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) revealed an irregularity of the first layer and a thickened second layer. The third layer was intact. A hyperechoic area was seen in the thickened second layer. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early carcinoma of the antrum and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for a polyp in the fornix were performed in one session. Histological examination of the specimen of the fornix polyp revealed lengthened, branched and dilatated gastric foveolae and a tight sheet of foamy histiocytes in the stroma. The background mucosa of the polyp was atrophic. The pathologic evidence was gastric hyperplastic polyp with proliferation of xanthoma. The early cancer of the antrum was intramucosal tubular adenocarcinoma and was resected curatively.

[Giant xanthomas of all four extremities as a result of hyperlipidaemia in a 24-year-old]

A young male had giant xanthomas of all four extremities. We chose surgical treatment and as a result he was able to wear shoes again. Aggressive treatment of xanthomas and the underlying heart disease is essential in treating young patients.

Atypical fibroxanthoma arising in a scar of discoid lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND

Malignant change in the scars of discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a well-known event. In most cases, tumors are of epithelial origin, particularly squamous cell carcinomas and, less frequently, basal cell carcinomas and keratoacanthomas. The onset of soft tissue sarcomas in a DLE scar is a very rare event, however, because only one case of malignant fibrous histiocytoma has been described in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

We describe the first documented report of atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) arising in an old scar of DLE.

RESULTS

Although we cannot exclude an accidental association between AFX and DLE, our case emphasizes that patients with DLE may develop AFX in the context of an old scar.

CONCLUSION

Our finding further underlines the importance of strict and long-term surveillance of people with DLE to identify and remove eventual tumors at an early stage.

Unilateral Xanthelasma Forming a Kissing-Like Lesion

Xanthelasma is a common cutaneous xanthomatosis which occurs usually on the medial canthus in the upper or inferior palpebra. We describe a rare case of kissing xanthelasma which was unilateral at early onset.

Verruciform Xanthoma in Close Association with Isolated Epidermolytic Acanthoma: A Case Report and Review of the Japanese Dermatological Literature

A 52-year-old man presented to our department with a scrotal skin nodule, first noted as a papule two to three years previously. The nodule was red and pedunculated with a granular surface and a diameter of 10 mm. Three red papules were scattered around the nodule. Histopathologic examination of the nodule showed epidermal papillary hyperplasia, collections of foam cells in the papillary dermis, and a dense infiltration of inflammatory cells into all dermal layers. In addition, granular degeneration was seen in the pedunculated lesion of the nodule free from the foam cells. Microscopic examination of the red papules also showed granular degeneration. The patient was diagnosed with verruciform xanthoma associated with isolated epidermolytic acanthoma. This is the first report of these two lesions occurring at the same site on the scrotum.

Disseminated verruciform xanthoma: a case report

Verruciform xanthomas (VXs) are rare mucocutaneous lesions that can appear in isolation or in association with chronic inflammation, systemic diseases, or metabolic abnormalities. We report the case of a patient who presented with disseminated VX with oral, cutaneous, and genital involvement without an obvious underlying cause. Treatments including salicylic acid 40%, high-potency topical corticosteroids, antibiotics, and chlorhexidine failed to improve the lesions; however, the patient was satisfied with the cosmetic results of serial shave excisions. This case highlights a rare entity of unknown etiology. Further studies are needed to determine the cause of this mucocutaneous entity so that more effective treatment modalities can be elucidated.

Gastric xanthelasma may be a warning sign for the presence of early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The significance of gastric xanthelasma in relation to gastric disease still remains unclear. We investigated the prevalence and significance of gastric xanthelasma in patients with atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer.

METHODS

A total of 3238 patients who underwent endoscopic examinations of the upper gastrointestinal tract were enrolled. We retrospectively investigated the presence of gastric xanthelasma, the severity of gastric atrophy, and the presence of gastric cancer, and examined the relationship between gastric xanthelasma and various clinicopathological features.

RESULTS

Gastric xanthelasma was detected in 249 (7.7%) of the 3238 patients and was significantly associated with age ≥ 65 years, male gender, open-type atrophy, and the presence of gastric cancer (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0002, P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of gastric cancer was independently related to the presence of gastric xanthelasma (odds ratio 6.19 [3.95-9.70], P < 0.0001). Age/sex/atrophy-matched control analysis demonstrated that the presence of gastric xanthelasma was significantly associated with the presence of gastric cancer (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the presence of xanthelasma in the upper region of the stomach was significantly associated with gastric cancer (P = 0.002). Gastric xanthelasma was observed in 50 (47.6%) of 105 patients with gastric cancer.

CONCLUSION

Gastric xanthelasma may serve as a warning sign for the presence of gastric cancer.

Verruciform xanthoma

A 50-year-old man presented with a several month history of a polypoid papule on the scrotum. A dense accumulation of macrophages with foamy cytoplasm was exhibited in the biopsy specimen leading to a diagnosis of verruciform xanthoma.