Aspects of the differential diagnosis of clear-cell lesions of the skin in connection with the rare case of a clear-cell atypical fibroxanthoma

Clear cell variant of atypical fibroxanthoma and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma: molecular characterization and review of the literature

Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS) are unusual cutaneous tumors that typically arise in sun-damaged skin of elderly individuals. Several histopathologic variants have been described, but the clear cell variant is particularly rare with only 18 cases of AFX and 1 case of PDS reported. Here, we present two cases of clear cell AFX and PDS highlighting key histopathologic findings and molecular alterations assessed by next generation sequencing (NGS).

Primary dermal pleomorphic liposarcoma: utility of adipophilin and MDM2/CDK4 immunostainings

Liposarcoma, usually arises in deep soft tissues and pleomorphic liposarcoma (PL), is the rarest histopathologic variant. However, 15 cases of entirely dermal PL have been reported. We describe a case of a 79-year-old man who developed a rapidly growing nodule on his thorax. Excisional biopsy was performed and immunohistochemical studies were carried. The lesion was a well-circumscribed dermal nodule composed of multivacuolated pleomorphic lipoblasts and atypical mitotic figures. Neoplastic cells expressed CD10 and resulted negative S100 protein, Melan-A, MITF-1, AE1/AE3, CD4, CD68 (PGM1), retinoblastoma gene family protein, pericentrine and lysozyme. Adipophilin stain showed the lipid contents in the cytoplasm of the neoplastic cells. MDM2 and CDK4 resulted both negative. A diagnosis of primary dermal PL was made. This case shows the utility of adipophilin immunostaining to prove the lipid contents in neoplastic cells, which has the advantage of using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue and making needless frozen sections and ultrastructural studies to show these findings. Negative MDM2/CDK4 staining in our case argues against the possibility of dedifferentiated liposarcoma and further supports the diagnosis of true PL.

Clear cell atypical fibroxanthoma: a case report and review of the literature

Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) is a group of cutaneous tumors characterized by a population of fusiform, epithelioid and pleomorphic cells. Clinically, AFX is commonly found on the head and neck of older adults as a solitary ulcerated nodule. Clear cell atypical fibroxanthoma is a very rare variant of AFX, with only 13 cases reported to date. The differential diagnoses often include dermal neoplasms composed of clear cells, such as squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, metastatic renal cell carcinoma and balloon cell malignant melanoma. These diagnoses can be ruled out by the typical immunohistochemical profile of clear cell AFX, which is negative for specific epithelial and melanocytic markers. Herein, we describe a rare and unusual case of clear cell AFX arising on the ear of a relatively young adult patient. Histologically, the dermis was completely replaced by an atypical population of vacuolated cells with numerous atypical mitoses. Immunohistochemical stains were negative forpancytokeratin, CK5/6, CK7, and p63 S100 and Melan-A stains. CD10 and CD68 stains were positive, making the findings consistent with the diagnosis of clear cell atypical fibroxanthoma.

Clear cell proliferations of the skin

Clear cell proliferations of the skin consist of a diverse group of lesions characterized by the presence of cells with abundant clear cytoplasm. They may arise from primary, metastatic, or non-neoplastic origins, with their distinctive cytoplasmic clearing attributable to causes ranging from artifact to accumulation of materials such as glycogen, mucin, or lipids. Despite the heterogeneity of these lesions, their distinguishing characteristics may be subtle, especially at high power. As such, histologic diagnosis can be challenging, and proper consideration relies on an understanding of the scope of possible origins, etiologies, and key immunohistochemical staining patterns of the various entities. This review categorizes cutaneous clear cell neoplasms by histogenesis, and offers differential diagnostic strategies to aid in their clinicopathologic evaluation.

Clear cell atypical fibroxantoma: a rare variant of atypical fibroxanthoma and review of the literature

Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) is a superficial variant of pleomorphic malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Clear cell atypical fibroxanthoma (CCAFXA) is a rare variant of atypical fibroxanthoma. A 74-year-old male patient presented with a rapidly growing nodule on the shoulder, which had appeared over a 5-months period. Lesion was excised by the plastic surgeon. Microscopic examination showed an ulcerated nodule composed of pleomorphic spindled and polygonal cells with clear or vacuolated cytoplasm. The neoplastic cells were stained positively with CD68 and CD10 and were stained negative with S-100, Melan A, muscle-specific actin, or pan-cytokeratin. Final diagnosis was clear cell atypical fibroxanthoma. CCAFXA should be differentiated from other clear-cell neoplasms of the skin. Best of our knowledge only 11 cases CCAFXA of have been reported in published studies till date. Herein, we reported 12th case in literature of CCAFXA and review of the literature.

Clinicopathologic analysis of primary atypical fibrous xanthoma of the esophagus

AIM: To explore the clinical and pathological features of primary atypical fibrous xanthoma of the esophagus, and to analyze its diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

METHODS: One case of primary atypical fibrous xanthoma of the esophagus treated at Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command of Chinese PLA was analyzed in this study. The diagnosis, treatment and follow-up data as well as histopathological and immunohistochemistry data for the disease were analyzed to reveal the clinicopathologic characteristics of the disease.

RESULTS: The tumor was located under the squamous epithelium of the upper esophagus, with a clear boundary. Histopathological analysis showed that the tumor was composed of cells of spindle, polygonal and irregular shape, collagen fibers, and esophageal glands. The tumor cells consisted of mononuclear, binuclear and polynuclear giant cells that shared some similar morphological characteristics. Mononuclear, binuclear and polynuclear giant cells could be detected in the transitional area. Some areas revealed pathological mitosis (< 2/50 HPF). Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that the tumor cells were strongly positive for CD68, CD163, S-100, and vimentin, weakly positive for α-SMA, h-caldesmon, and Ki-67 (proliferation index: ~8%), but negative of CKpan, EMA, CK (L), CK (H), F8, CD34, CD117, Dog-1, actin, desmin, CD10, and CD99.

CONCLUSION: Primary atypical fibrous xanthoma of the esophagus is an extremely rare mesenchymal tumor with benign behavior and good prognosis. A differential diagnosis should be made among atypical fibrous xanthoma of the esophagus, esophageal sarcomatoid carcinoma, carcinoma-sarcoma, leiomyoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and malignant fibrous histiocytoma.

Combined Papillated Bowen Disease and Clear Cell Atypical Fibroxanthoma

We describe a case of papillated Bowen disease (PBD), associated with a clear cell atypical fibroxanthoma (CCAFXA). The epidermal lesion showed a bowenoid papillomatous growth pattern with histologic features suggestive of infection by human papilloma virus (HPV). In the dermis a neoplasm made up by spindled or polygonal cells with wide clear cytoplasm and moderate nuclear pleomorphism was found. Immunohistochemical characteristics of these two lesions were clearly different. The atypical cells of the intraepidermal proliferation were positive for AE1-AE3 anticytokeratin antibody, EMA, p16, p53 and p63. The dermal tumor was positive for vimentin, CD10, CD68, CD99, alpha-1-antitrypsin and c-kit. Histological features and immunohistochemical profile of the dermal tumor corresponded to a CCAFXA, a very uncommon neoplasm of which only 10 cases have been reported. In situ hybridization for numerous types of HPVs was negative in both lesions.

CD117 is not a useful marker for diagnosing atypical fibroxanthoma

Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) is a rare skin tumor that generally pursues an indolent course despite its alarming histological appearances. It is important for the pathologist to distinguish this neoplasm from more aggressive lesions that may show very similar histological features. Recently, it has been suggested that demonstration of CD117 is of value in identifying AFX. To test this hypothesis, 50 cases of AFX were stained immunohistochemically for CD117 to determine the diagnostic value of this antibody. Cases were also stained for tryptase to identify mast cells, which are CD117 positive. In addition, S100 and CD1a stains were performed to assess any possible contribution of melanocytes or Langerhans cells to CD117 staining. Only 1 of 50 AFXs (2%) showed CD117 positivity in the neoplastic cells, but all tumors demonstrated included CD117- and tryptase-positive mast cells in similar distribution. CD117 is only rarely stainable in the neoplastic cells of AFX and is therefore not useful in identifying these tumors. Mast cells are also CD117 positive, frequently present in AFX, and can lead to misinterpretation. Using immunohistochemistry for mast cell tryptase may be of value where there is doubt as to the nature of CD117-positive cells in neoplasms.