Sinonasal tract angiosarcoma: a clinicopathologic and immunophenotypic study of 10 cases with a review of the literature

Clinical course and vascular endothelial growth factor signaling system expression in maxillary angiosarcoma: A case report

Maxillary angiosarcoma, an aggressive tumor derived from vascular endothelial cells, is very rare. Recently, antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies have attracted considerable attention. We describe the clinical course of a patient with maxillary angiosarcoma and discuss the expression of VEGF signaling molecules assessed via immunohistological analysis. An 81-year-old man presented with an aggressive tumor in the left maxillary sinus. Biopsy revealed atypical nuclear cell proliferation, and the tumor was suspected to be a sarcoma. The maxillary malignancy was treated using a multidisciplinary approach with a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and regional chemotherapy. Examination of the specimen obtained in the first surgery revealed maxillary angiosarcoma, found to be positive for CD31, while negative for CD34, D2-40, and factor Ⅷ. Although no pathological residual tumor was observed after the planned wide surgery, cervical lymph node and distant metastases occurred. The patient died 24 months after the first surgery. Staining revealed VEGF receptor (VEGFR) 1, VEGFR2, phosphorylated Ak strain transforming, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 positivity. Although our findings do not indicate that anti-VEGF therapy is beneficial for treating maxillary angiosarcomas, we found that VEGFR signaling pathways were activated in maxillary angiosarcomas similar to angiosarcomas originating at other sites. Herein, we report a case of maxillary angiosarcoma, focused on VEGFR and signaling pathway activation. To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe VEGFR system immunostaining findings in maxillary angiosarcoma.

Angiosarcoma of the Maxillary Sinus: A Case Report

Angiosarcoma can be defined as a malignant neoplasm arising from the lining of the blood and lymphatic vessels, including the endothelial cells. It can occur in any body part, such as blood vessels, skin, liver, and breast. Its incidence varies based on the site. There are different underlying etiologies associated with the incidence of angiosarcoma. Clinical presentation depends on the site of origin. Angiosarcoma of the sinus or nasal openings can be observed as a tissue mass, lesions, obstructed nasal cavity, facial swelling, proptosis, anosmia, nasal discharge, and epistaxis. These are rare malignancies with very low incidence. Though it has been reported in all age groups, it is more common in adults in their sixth decade and more. Nasal angiosarcoma can be a diagnostic challenge due to its rarity. This is a case of a 56-year-old female with a major complaint of nasal obstruction and face swelling for two months. Physical examination revealed a pinkish polypoidal mass. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan showed a heterogeneously arterial enhancing soft-tissue lesion in the left maxillary sinus with significant erosive changes. Histopathological analysis revealed a malignant spindle cell tumor, which was confirmed by a CD34 immunohistology stain. The patient was advised surgical excision for further management, which was denied. The patient is undergoing radiation therapy and is on third cycle as per the last follow-up.

Update from the 5th Edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumors: Soft Tissue Tumors

The fifth (5th) edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Head and Neck Tumors introduces a new chapter dedicated to soft tissue neoplasms commonly affecting the head and neck. While the diversity, rarity, and wide anatomic range of soft tissue tumors precludes a discussion of all entities that may be found in the head and neck, the addition of this new chapter to the head and neck "blue book" aims to provide a more comprehensive and uniform reference text, including updated diagnostic criteria, of mesenchymal tumor types frequently (or exclusively) arising at head and neck sites. Since publication of the previous edition in 2017, there have been numerous advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of many soft tissue tumors which have facilitated refinements in tumor classification, identification of novel entities, development of diagnostic markers, and improved prognostication. This review will provide a focused discussion of the soft tissue tumors included in the 5th edition WHO Head and Neck classification, with an emphasis on updates.

When is a multidisciplinary surgical approach required in sinonasal tumours with cranial involvement?

The term “sinonasal tumours” includes a large spectrum of diseases, which are characterized by heterogeneous biological behavior and prognosis, and located in a critical anatomic area. Diagnosis and treatment of sinonasal tumours require the contribution of different disciplines. A narrative review was performed to highlight the role of surgeons in contributing to a multidisciplinary approach to sinonasal tumours. Diagnosis and staging of sinonasal tumours is challenging and requires collaboration between surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists. The identification and management of critical extensions (orbital or intracranial encroachment, vascular abutment or encasement) is fundamental for successful treatment. Most cases of advanced sinonasal tumours can undergo surgical intervention by an adequately trained otorhinolaryngological team. The contribution of neurosurgeons and oculoplastic surgeons is required in selected scenarios. In rare circumstances, multidisciplinary reconstructive strategies can be indicated for complex tissue defects. Furthermore, a multidisciplinary approach is pivotal in the management of perioperative complications. While surgery remains the mainstay of treatment, the role of non-surgical adjuvant or even exclusive treatments is constantly expanding.

Rare Diseases of the Nose, the Paranasal Sinuses, and the Anterior Skull Base

Due to their low incidence and thus resulting limited diagnostic criteria as well as therapeutic options, rare diseases of the nose, the paranasal sinuses, and the anterior skull base are a significant challenge. The value as of which a disease has to be considered as rare amounts to a maximum of 5 patients per 10 000 people. Within these diseases, however, there are extreme differences. Some rare or orphan diseases like for example the inverted papilloma belong to regularly diagnosed and treated diseases of larger departments of oto-rhino-laryngology whereas other rare diseases and malformations have only been described in less than 100 case reports worldwide. This fact emphasizes the necessity of bundling the available experience of diagnostics and therapy. The present article gives an overview about rare diseases of the nose, the paranasal sinuses, and the anterior skull base from the field of diseases/syndromes of the olfactory system, malformations of the nose and paranasal sinuses, ventilation and functional disorders as well as benign and malignant tumors. The classification and data on diagnostic and therapeutic options were established based on the current literature.

Algorithmic Approach to Fibroinflammatory Sinonasal Tract Lesions

Fibroinflammatory lesions of the sinonasal tract are one of the most common head and neck lesions submitted to surgical pathology. When the fibroinflammatory pattern represents the lesion (i.e., not surface reactive ulceration), an algorithmic approach can be useful. Separated into reactive, infectious, and neoplastic, and then further divided based on common to rare, this logical progression through a series of differential considerations allows for many of these lesions to be correctly diagnosed. The reactive lesions include chronic rhinosinusitis and polyps, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis. Infectious etiologies include acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis, rhinoscleroma, and mycobacterial infections. The neoplastic category includes lobular capillary hemangioma, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, and NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type. Utilizing patterns of growth, dominant cell types, and additional histologic features, selected ancillary studies help to confirm the diagnosis, guiding further clinical management.

Paraganglioma of the filum terminal: Case report and review of the literature

Paraganglioma of the filum terminal/cauda equina is a rare slow growing tumor which originates from the ectopic sympathetic neurons. Surgically, total excision may be difficult for this well demarcated tumor surrounded by couple of rootlets but is usually possible in nearly all cases. Actually, final diagnosis cannot be determined intraoperatively, but is possible only after an immunohistochemical staining. Herein, the authors present a middle age woman whose initial symptoms were lower back pain and radiculopathy. Her MRI was found to be compatible with a cauda equina tumor. During her excisional surgery a hard and relatively vascular tumor was fully removed. The Immunohistochemical results were compatible with paraganglioma of the filum terminale. In addition to case presentation, thorough review of the literature is also done.

A Patient With Submerged Sinonasal Angiosarcoma After Resection of Underlying Organizing Hematoma

A 30-year-old female patient with facial pain diagnosed as organizing hematoma of maxillary sinus by biopsy and imaging studies, and subsequently tumor was resected via an endoscope-assisted midfacial degloving approach. The tumor was histopathologically confirmed as organizing hematoma. In 3-week follow-up, asymptomatic emerging mass was observed at the same site, and needed a revision endoscopic resection. On pathologic examination, a low-grade angiosarcoma was identified, not organizing hematoma. After postoperative radiotherapy, she has been a status of no evidence of disease. This report emphasizes that complete and delicate resection of sinonasal tumor should be made to prevent recurrence and submerged malignant potential.

Head and Neck Kaposi Sarcoma: Clinicopathological Analysis of 11 Cases

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) of the head and neck area is uncommon with limited published case series. Our routine and consultation files were reviewed for histologically and immunohistochemically proven KS affecting any cutaneous or mucosal head and neck site. Ten males and one female aged 42-78 years (median, 51 years; mean, 52 years) were retrieved. Eight patients were HIV-positive and three were HIV-negative. The affected sites were skin (n = 5), oral/oropharyngeal mucosa (n = 5), and lymph nodes (n = 3) in variable combination. The ear (pinna and external auditory canal) was affected in two cases; both were HIV-negative. Multifocal non-head and neck KS was reported in 50% of patients. At last follow-up (12-94 months; median, 46 months), most of patients were either KS-free (n = 8) or had ongoing remission under systemic maintenance therapy (n = 2). One patient was alive with KS (poor compliance). Histopathological evaluation showed classical features of KS. One case was predominantly sarcomatoid with prominent inflammation mimicking undifferentiated sarcoma. Immunohistochemistry showed consistent expression of CD31, CD34, ERG, D2-40 and HHV8 in all cases. This is one of the few series devoted to head and neck KS showing high prevalence of HIV-positivity, but also unusual presentations in HIV-negative patients with primary origin in the skin of the ear and the auditory canal. KS should be included in the differential diagnosis of difficult-to-classify spindle cell lesions at this uncommon location.

Lobular capillary hemangiomas: Case report and review of literature of vascular lesions of the nasal cavity

Vascular tumors of the nasal cavity can represent a variety of pathologies. In this case report, we discuss two patients presenting with a large vascular lesion occupying the nasal cavity. Significant bleeding was encountered during the initial attempts for endoscopic surgical resection. One lesion was successfully excised following preoperative embolization while a second following sphenopalatine artery vascular ligation. In both cases, final pathology showed lobular capillary hemangioma (LCH). We present a literature review and discussion of LCH and other vascular tumors that present in the nasal cavity. In addition, we discuss the utility of pre-resection vascular control of these tumors.

Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Angiogenesis Related Markers in Pyogenic Granuloma of Gingiva

BACKGROUND

Pyogenic granuloma is a common non-neoplastic connective tissue proliferation. ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 are vascular adhesion molecules and CD34 is a marker for evaluation of angiogenesis. The purpose of this study was to compare the immunohistochemical expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and CD34 in oral pyogenic granuloma and normal gingiva.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was performed on thirty five formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded samples of gingival pyogenic granuloma. Also we used thirty five paraffined blocks of normal gingiva as control group which were taken from crown lengthening surgery. We employed immunohistochemistry staining for our prepared microscopic slides using monoclonal mouse anti-human antibodies against ICAM-1 (CD54), VCAM-1 (CD106) and CD34. Slides were examined under light microscope and then the mean amount of stained vessels also known as microvascular density (MVD) in highly vascularized areas (hot spots) was measured. Paired t-test and repeated measures ANOVA were used to compare the difference between quantitative variables and Chi-square test for qualitative variables in different groups. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to compare relations between quantitative variables. P<0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

The mean of MVD for ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and CD34 was significantly higher in pyogenic granuloma than normal gingiva (p<0.001 and p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Expression of CD34 in pyogenic granuloma was significantly higher than ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 (P<0.001). Besides, expression of ICAM-1 in normal gingiva, was significantly lower than two other markers (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Regarding the results, it seems that ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and CD34 are useful biomarkers in evaluation of vascular and inflammatory lesions such as gingival pyogenic granuloma and the results indicate the role of these biomarkers in pathogenesis of oral pyogenic granuloma.

Update on Select Benign Mesenchymal and Meningothelial Sinonasal Tract Lesions

Several benign and malignant mesenchymal and meningothelial lesions may preferentially affect or extend into the sinonasal tract. Glomangiopericytoma (GPC, formerly sinonasal-type hemangiopericytoma) is a specific tumor with a predilection to the sinonasal tract. Sinonasal tract polyps with stromal atypia (antrochoanal polyp) demonstrate unique histologic findings in the sinonasal tract. Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) arises from specialized tissue in this location. Meningioma may develop as direct extension from its intracranial counterpart or as an ectopic tumor. Selected benign mesenchymal tumors may arise in the sinonasal tract and pose a unique differential diagnostic consideration, such as solitary fibrous tumor and GPC or lobular capillary hemangioma and JNA. Although benign and malignant vascular, fibrous, fatty, skeletal muscle, and nerve sheath tumors may occur in this location, this paper focuses on a highly select group of rare benign sinonasal tract tumors with their clinicopathological and molecular findings, and differential diagnosis.

Extensively Myxoid and Hyalinized Sinonasal Capillary Hemangiomas: A Clinicopathologic Study of 16 Cases of a Distinctive and Potentially Confusing Hemangioma Variant

Capillary hemangiomas, the most common vascular tumors of the sinonasal region, are benign endothelial neoplasms, typically growing in an easily recognized lobular pattern. Some sinonasal capillary hemangiomas may show atypical features, such as high cellularity or mitotic activity, and represent more challenging diagnoses. Over the past several years we have seen in consultation a number of examples of sinonasal capillary hemangiomas displaying very striking stromal myxoid change and hyalinization, features that have received scant attention in the past. Available slides from 16 sinonasal capillary hemangiomas previously coded as showing such changes were retrieved from our archives. Submitting diagnoses included "query angiofibroma, rule out malignancy" (N=4), "vascular polyp, rule out malignancy" (N=3), "query malignant vascular tumor" (N=4), "sinonasal hemangiopericytoma" (N=1), and "benign vascular tumor" (N=1). Available radiographic studies often showed worrisome features. Grossly, the tumors ranged from 1.1 to 6.0 cm and appeared as ulcerated, vascular-appearing polyps. Microscopically, the tumors showed striking stromal myxoid change and/or hyalinization, which largely obscured the underlying lobular capillary arrangement. Within this myxohyaline matrix, a florid capillary proliferation was present, frequently with nonatypical mitotic activity. In some instances a branching, "hemangiopericytoma-like" vascular pattern was present in areas. The overall cellularity was low to moderate, and endothelial atypia or hyperchromatism was absent. Ulceration and thrombosis were frequently present. Immunostains to CD31, CD34, and SMA highlighted areas of lobular growth pattern inapparent on the routinely stained slides. Four tested cases were negative for androgen receptors and β-catenin. Follow-up from 12 patients revealed no local recurrences or metastases. Awareness of that sinonasal capillary hemangioma may show these unusual stromal changes, and the use of ancillary immunohistochemistry to highlight its lobular growth pattern should allow its confident distinction from more aggressive endothelial tumors (eg, angiosarcoma) and from nonendothelial tumors, including nasopharyngeal angiofibroma, solitary fibrous tumor, and sinonasal hemangiopericytoma-like tumor.

Soft tissue tumors of the sinonasal tract

Primary soft tissue tumors arising in the sinonasal tract are rare. While many mesenchymal neoplasms have been reported in the nasal cavity, sinuses, and nasopharynx, few are distinctive to this anatomic region. Some tumor types are relatively more common in this area, such as schwannoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Nasopharyngeal angiofibroma and sinonasal hemangiopericytoma are unique entities of the sinonasal tract, as well as the recently characterized biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma. This review discusses the clinical, morphologic, and immunohistochemical features and currently known molecular data of the more frequently encountered soft tissue tumors of the sinonasal tract.

Sinonasal angiosarcoma

INTRODUCTION

Angiosarcoma is a malignant tumour arising from endothelial cells that accounts for 1% of all sarcomas. The sinonasal site of angiosarcoma is exceptional.

CASE REPORT

The authors report a case of sinonasal angiosarcoma in a 53-year-old man. Despite wide resection by open surgery and postoperative chemoradiotherapy, several tumour recurrences were observed, requiring multiple operations.

DISCUSSION

Only histological examination with immunohistochemistry is able to confirm the diagnosis (factor VIII, CD34 and CD31 antigens). Standard treatment consists of surgery with wide resection followed by radiotherapy. The authors discuss the treatment modalities and prognosis of this tumour.

Angiosarcoma arising from the frontal sinus

Primary sinonasal angiosarcomas are very rare tumors. They typically occur in the nasal cavity of middle-aged patients. They are classically highly aggressive. Primary treatment is surgical excision when feasible. We describe a unique case of angiosarcoma in a young woman arising from the frontal sinus with distant metastasis. This case represents the first report of angiosarcoma arising from the frontal sinus in the English literature. The traditional treatment options for the advanced nature of her disease and overall poor prognosis are discussed. We further review the literature and discuss alternative treatments options. Newer chemotherapeutic regiments on the horizon show promise in helping to control this disease.

Angiosarcoma of the nasal septum mimicking reticulohistiocytoma

Angiosarcomas are rare, aggressive tumors of endothelial cells with a high degree of invasiveness and poor survival. Although they arise in the face and scalp of elderly people, the nose represents a rare location with few reports in the literature. Nasal angiosarcoma resembling benign lesion morphologically has been described, but there is no report of angiosarcoma mimicking benign lesion histologically.Here, we report a case of nasal septum angiosarcoma in which the initial misdiagnosis submitted by the referring pathologist was reticulohistiocytoma. Nevertheless, the nasal septum and anterior nasal spine invasion by the tumor led us to suggest extensive surgical treatment: resection of the caudal septum, the anterior nasal spine, the columella, and the philtrum. Thereafter, an L-strut rib cartilage graft reconstructed the septum defect and was lined with a free radial forearm flap, resulting in a satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcome. Histology showed complete resection of a malignant neoplasm of mesenchymal origin, and immunohistochemistry established the diagnosis of epithelial angiosarcoma. The literature regarding this rare presentation of angiosarcoma was reviewed.

Sinonasal lobular capillary hemangioma: a clinicopathologic study of 34 cases characterizing potential for local recurrence

Lobular capillary hemangioma (LCH) is a specific entity among vascular lesions of the head and neck that may be diagnosed loosely as "pyogenic granuloma". In contrast to granulation polyps and other reactive conditions, LCH is now regarded as likely a benign vascular neoplasm. Recent series assert lack of postoperative recurrence of LCH. We have observed otherwise, and to clarify this issue performed a systematic review of our institutional experience with LCH, tabulating clinicopathologic, histologic, and follow-up parameters of nasal or sinus lesions diagnosed as LCH or PG between 1989 and 2009. Lesions meeting strict criteria for LCH were included, and statistical analyses were performed using t tests, χ2 tests, and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Of cases identified, 38 of 46 (86%) met criteria for LCH. Presenting symptoms included epistaxis (75%), obstruction (36%), and pain (3%), with no sex predilection (17/17; M/F), and a median age of 39 years. Pregnancy was associated with 5/34 (15%) cases, while antecedent trauma was reported in 4/34 (12%). Histologically, ulceration was frequent (68%) and mitotic activity highly variable (0-38 mitoses/10 HPF). Of cases with follow-up (31/34), we observed 13 local recurrences (42%), including unbiopsied clinical recurrence (6/31, 19.4%) and biopsy-documented recurrence (7/31, 22.6%). Subjects with recurrence were significantly older (P = 0.04). Demographic, clinical, and histopathologic features were similar to prior studies; in contrast to recent series, recurrence in this cohort was frequent and comparable to that originally reported. Awareness of this may aid in avoiding misdiagnosis of these lesions as more aggressive entities such as angiofibroma and angiosarcoma.

Spontaneous metastatic angiosarcoma of the tongue in a Wistar rat: morphological and immunohistochemical characterization

A primary angiosarcoma was found in the tongue of a six-week-old female Wistar rat, sacrificed for humane reasons during the course of a four-week toxicology study. At necropsy, a nodule protruding from the dorsal part of the tongue was found. The nodule displayed microscopically, irregularly shaped vascular spaces separated by collagenous stroma. The spindle-shaped endothelial cells showed pleomorphism, hyperchromatism, and low mitotic activity; large nuclei with one or more nucleoli were present. Multiple metastases were found in the lungs, and the morphology of the cells resembled that of the primary tumor. Immunohistochemically, the primary tumor and the lung metastases were positive for von Willebrand factor and vimentin. The diagnosis of tongue angiosarcoma metastasizing to the lungs was made on the basis of microscopic and immunohistochemical findings.