Clear cell sarcoma of the ileum: report of a case and review of the literature

Shedding light on pancreatic metastasis of clear cell sarcoma: An exceptional journey

This editorial comments on the study by Liu et al investigating pancreatic metastasis of clear cell sarcoma (CCS) published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases. CCS is a rare and aggressive melanocytic tumor, that typically arises from tendons and aponeuroses of the limbs, and metastasizes to the lungs, bones, and brain. However, pancreatic metastasis has rarely been reported, presenting unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Elucidating the clinical characteristics, imaging features, prognostic factors, and treatment outcomes of patients with pancreatic CCS metastasis is crucial. Surgery remains an effective management strategy for CCS. However, the high recurrence rate and low effectiveness of traditional adjuvant treatments necessitate a shift towards more personalized and targeted treatment plans. Research is needed to investigate and validate novel therapeutic approaches specifically tailored to the distinct genetic and molecular characteristics of rare malignancies like CCS. Additionally, the development of late metastases after a long disease-free interval is common in CCS patients. Therefore, routine postoperative surveillance for metastasis using computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, bone scans, and positron emission tomography scans is crucial. Moving forward, enhanced collaboration, investigation, and creative thinking among scientists, medical professionals, and legislators are essential to gain a deeper understanding of these rare presentations.

Intestinal Clear Cell Sarcoma-A Case Presentation of an Extremely Rare Tumor and Literature Review

Background: Clear cell sarcoma (CCS) is an extremely rare form of sarcoma representing less than 1% of all soft-tissue sarcomas. It has morphological, structural, and immunohistochemical similarities to malignant melanoma, affecting young adults and equally affecting both sexes, and is usually located in the tendinous sheaths and aponeuroses of the limbs. Gastrointestinal localization is exceptional, with less than 100 cases reported thus far. The gene fusion of activating transcription factor 1 (ATF1) and the Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 (EWSR1) are pathognomonic for clear cell sarcoma, representing the key to the diagnosis. CCS is an extremely aggressive tumor, with >30% having distant or lymphatic metastasis at the time of diagnostic, and it has a high recurrence rate of over 80% in the first year after diagnosis and a high tendency for metastatic dissemination. Given the rarity of this tumor, there is no standardized treatment. Early diagnosis and radical surgery are essential in the treatment of CCS both for the primary tumor and for recurrence or metastasis. Chemo-radiotherapy has very little effect and is rarely indicated, and the role of targeted therapies is still under investigation. Case presentation: We present an extremely rare case of intestinal CSS in a 44-year-old Caucasian female. The patient, asymptomatic, first presented for a routine checkup and was diagnosed with mild iron-deficiency anemia. Given her family history of multiple digestive cancers, additional investigations were requested (gastroscopy, colonoscopy, tumoral markers and imaging) and the results were all within normal limits. In the subsequent period, the patient experienced mild diffuse recurrent abdominal pain, which occurred every 2-3 months. Two years later, the patient presented with symptoms of intestinal obstruction and underwent an emergency laparotomy followed by segmental enterectomy and regional lymphadenectomy for stenotic tumor of the jejunum. Histology, immunohistochemistry, and genetic testing established the diagnosis of CCS. No adjuvant therapy was indicated. Initially, no signs of recurrence or metastasis were detected, but after 30 and 46 months, respectively, from the primary treatment, the patient developed liver metastasis and pericolic peritoneal implants treated by atypical hepatic resections and right hemicolectomy. The patient remains under observation.

Mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract

Mesenchymal tumours represent a heterogenous group of neoplasms encopassing benign, intermediate malignancy, and malignant entities. Sarcomas account for approximately 1% of human malignancies. In consideration of their rarity as well as of intrinsic complexity, diagnostic accuracy represents a major challenge. Traditionally, mesenchymal tumours are regarded as lesions the occurrence of which is mostly limited to somatic soft tissues. However, the occurrence of soft tissue tumours at visceral sites represent a well recognized event, and the GI-tract ranks among the most frequently involved visceral location. There exist entities such as gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) and malignant gastointestinal neuroectodermal tumors that exhibit exquisite tropism for the GI-tract. This review will focus also on other relevant clinico-pathologic entities in which occurrence at visceral location is not at all negligible.

A long-term survivor of clear cell sarcoma-like tumor of the gastrointestinal tract with liver metastasis: a case report

Background

Clear cell sarcoma-like tumor of the gastrointestinal tract (CCSLTGT) is extremely rare. It is a mesenchymal neoplasm that usually forms in the small intestine of adolescents and young adults, is prone to local recurrence and metastasis, and has a high mortality rate. We report a patient with CCSLTGT with lymph node- and liver metastases, who continues to survive 6 years after initial surgical resection.

Case presentation

A 38-year-old woman presented with lightheadedness. Laboratory analysis revealed anemia (hemoglobin, 6.7 g/dL), and enhanced computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a mass in the small intestine, about 6 cm in diameter, with swelling of 2 regional lymph nodes. Double-balloon small intestine endoscopic examination revealed a tumor accompanied by an ulcer; the biopsy findings suggested a primary cancer of the small intestine. She was admitted, and we then performed a laparotomy for partial resection of the small intestine with lymph node dissection. Pathologic examination revealed CCSLTGT with regional lymph node metastases. About 3 years later, follow-up CT revealed a single liver metastasis. Consequently, she underwent a laparoscopic partial liver resection. Histopathologic examination confirmed that the liver metastasis was consistent with CCSLTGT. It has now been 3 years without a recurrence.

Conclusion

Repeated radical surgical resection with close follow-up may be the only way to achieve long-term survival in patients with CCLSTGT.

Malignant Gastrointestinal Neuroectodermal Tumors: Clinicopathological and Prognostic Features of 96 Patients

Purpose

Gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumors (GNETs) are uncommon malignant tumors derived from ectodermal primitive neural cells.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 2 GNET cases at our hospital and the remaining 94 cases in the literature to determine clinicopathological prognostic factors.

Results

The patients had a mean age of 36 years and a median tumor size of 4.5 cm. A total of 67.0% of the tumors were located in the small intestine, and 76.4% of the patients presented recurrence or metastasis. There was a significant difference in sex and presence of osteoclast-like cells (P<0.01). Microscopically, most cells were round or short spindle-like in shape, with weak eosinophilic or clear cytoplasm. Neoplastic cells were always arranged in solid sheets, nests, and pseudoalveoli. Immunohistochemistry showed strong, diffuse S100 and SOX10 expression, with a complete absence of HMB45 and Melan-A expression. A total of 72.9% of the cases revealed genetic EWSR1 recombination, including our 2 cases. The median time to death and first metastasis was 61 months and 12 months, respectively. K-M analysis showed a great difference in survival according to lymph node invasion or distant metastasis (M+N), independent lymph node metastasis (N), lower histological grades (G2), and aggressive chemoradiotherapy (P=0.026, P=0.027, P=0.039 and P=0.037). However, independent T, independent M, and postoperative routine adjuvant therapy showed no statistical influence on overall survival or disease-free survival.

Conclusion

GNET is a new entity distinct in its clinical, morphological, immunochemical, and genetic features. Radical excision, close follow-up and adjuvant therapy may be effective for prolonged survival.

Oral malignant gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumour with junctional component mimicking mucosal melanoma

Malignant gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumour (GNET) is a recently characterised rare and aggressive tumour that typically arises in association with the small intestine of adults. We present a novel case of this entity and expand the spectrum of its reported morphological features. The patient was a 5-year-old female, the youngest reported patient affected by the condition, and presented with extra-abdominal disease. The histopathological features included the presence of a junctional component of the palatal tumour, which mimicked mucosal melanoma, a feature that has not been previously reported in GNET. Whole genome and RNA sequencing was performed that demonstrated the EWSR1-ATF1 translocation characteristic of GNET. Knowledge of this entity and its features, together with careful morphological assessment supplemented by judicious immunohistochemical and molecular studies should enable the correct diagnosis to be established.

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for a recurrent metastasis after resection of liver metastases from an ileal clear-cell sarcoma: Long-term local tumor control

Clear-cell sarcomas (CCSs) in the gastrointestinal tract are extremely rare and aggressive tumors. We present the first case of a CCS arising in the ileum and metastasizing to the liver; our patient was a 60-year-old man. After the resection of the CCS and the liver metastases, a new liver metastasis developed, which was treated via percutaneous radiofrequency ablation only. At the 5-year follow-up, the ablated region was stable without local tumor progression. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation is a viable local treatment option for recurrent metastases from an ileal CCS if they are detected when small and at an early stage in follow-up studies.

Multiple clear-cell sarcomas of small intestine with parotid gland metastasis: A case report

Clear-cell sarcoma is a rare, malignant soft tissue tumor that displays melanocytic differentiation with a distinct molecular profile. It is rarely localized in the gastrointestinal tract. Herein we reported a case of multiple synchronous clear-cell sarcomas of the gastrointestinal tract with parotid gland metastasis. A 51-year-old male patient presented with a growing painless mass under the right ear. A preoperative positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed multiple intestinal masses and a mass in the right parotid with increased glucose uptake, and he underwent operative treatment with resection of three tumors in the jejunum and ileum and then received a right parotidectomy. Postoperative pathological examination showed that cells in the intestinal tumor were consistent with clear-cell sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract, and the malignant cells in the parotid gland were similar to the intestinal tumor. Immunohistochemical studies revealed positive expression of HMB-45, Melan-A, and S-100. EWSR1 gene fusion transcripts were undetectable by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Malignant gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumor: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Malignant gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumor (GNET) is an extremely rare entity that was first described by Zambrano et al. in 2003 as "Clear cell sarcoma-like tumor of the gastrointestinal tract". It shares some of the histological features of clear cell sarcoma (CCS) but lacks the immunohistochemical reactivity for melanocytic markers. We report a case of GNET that was initially misdiagnosed as gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Recognizing this entity is important to avoid misdiagnosis.

CASE PRESENTATION

A case of an 18-year-old male presented with a small intestinal tumor. Histologically it was characterized by polygonal cells arranged in pseudoalveolar pattern and situated in the muscularis propria. Scattered osteoclast-like multinucleated giant cells were also noted. The neoplastic cells were positive for S-100 protein and negative for HMB-45, Melan A, smooth muscle actin, desmin and CD117. EWSR1 gene rearrangement was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. The patient returned with recurrence after 36 months' management by surgical resection and died one year later.

CONCLUSIONS

GNET can be mistaken histologically for other non-epithelial gastrointestinal tumors. Awareness of its existence and diagnostic criteria by the pathologist is necessary to avoid misdiagnosis, particularly as GIST, CCS or malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST).

Gastrointestinal clear cell sarcoma-like tumour of the ascending colon

INTRODUCTION

A clear cell sarcoma-like gastrointestinal tumour (CCSLGT) is a rare malignant soft tissue sarcoma. In the literature, they are sometimes referred to as malignant gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumours, clear cell sarcomas or osteoclast rich tumours of the gastrointestinal tract.

CASE HISTORY

We present a case of a CCSLGT arising from the ascending colon of a previously well 22-year-old man presenting with abdominal pain and anaemia. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis showed a 7 cm irregular mass in the right flank that seemed to emerge from the proximal transverse colon. A laparoscopic right hemicolectomy was undertaken to remove the mass. Microscopic pathological examination of the specimen revealed sections of spindle to oval cells with monomorphic nuclei and scant cytoplasm. The cells were arranged in a striking perivascular growth pattern with microcytic breakdown and pseudopapillary formation. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that the tumour cells removed expressed S100 protein, and were negative for smooth muscle actin, desmin, CD34, CD117, DOG1, HMB-45 and MNF116. Additionally, cytogenetic testing identified EWSR1 gene rearrangement, which was observed by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridisation.

CONCLUSIONS

A complex tumour, a CCSLGT can be thought of in simple terms as a gastrointestinal tract tumour that is S100 protein positive, osteoclast rich, HMB-45 negative and compromises a t(12;22)(q13;q12) gene translocation. These simplified CCSLGT characteristics seem to be described and classified under different aliases in the literature, which makes it difficult to accurately predict the appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic modality required to provide the best clinical care. Given that this case report describes the fourth CCSLGT of primary colonic origins, it may aid future targeted therapies as well as offering epidemiological evidence on prevalence and prognosis.

Unusual Clinical Presentation of Gastrointestinal Clear Cell Sarcoma

BACKGROUND

Use of molecular assays is gradually becoming a mandatory part of the clinical management of soft tissue tumors, however the choice and the interpretation of these tests may present a challenge.

SUMMARY

This report demonstrates an unusual presentation of sarcoma, which was initially diagnosed as a tumor of unknown primary site. Given the presence of vimentin, Fli-1, CD99 and S100 markers, lack of immunostaining for melan A, HMB45, MITF, synaptophysin, CD56, myf4, CKAE1/3 and WT-1, as well as the presence of EWSR1 translocation determined by a break-apart FISH assay, Ewing's sarcoma (ES) diagnosis seemed to be well justified. However, polymerase chain reaction testing for ES-specific rearrangements (EWSR1/FLI1, EWSR1/ERG, EWSR1/ETV1, EWSR1/ETV4, EWS/FEV) failed to confirm the ES origin of the neoplastic tissue. We further considered clinical, morphological, immunohistochemical and molecular diagnostic features of other types of EWSR1-rearranged sarcomas and performed molecular testing for gastrointestinal clear cell sarcoma. The polymerase chain reaction assay revealed EWSR1ex7/ATF1ex5 fusion, thus confirming the latter diagnosis. Subsequent high-precision computed tomography of the abdominal cavity revealed a 5-cm tumor of the small bowel, which was subjected to surgical resection.

KEY MESSAGE

This report exemplifies that the use of anonymous cytogenetic assays, such as break-apart FISH EWSR1 testing, may not be sufficient even in case of a perfect match with relevant morphological and immunohistochemical tumor features.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Explicit identification of the translocation gene partners is indeed important for proper sarcoma diagnosis management.

Primary Synovial Sarcoma (SS) of the digestive system: a molecular and clinicopathological study of fifteen cases

BACKGROUND

Recently a few cases of synovial sarcoma (SS) of the abdominal viscera have been reported, raising awareness about the potential for confusion between this entity and KIT-negative gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). We report the clinicopathological, immunophenotypical and molecular features of fifteen more SS occurring in the stomach (8 cases), epigastric region (one case), small intestine (one case), large intestine (three cases), involving both the terminal ileum and the caecum (one case) and liver (one case).

METHODS

Immunostains for SMA, DESMIN, CD34, CD117, S100, EMA, CK AE1/3, TLE1, CD56, CD99, BCL2, DOG1 were performed. Rearrangement of SS18 gene region was screened in all cases: by conventional karyotype in one case, the remaining cases were screened either by interphase FISH or Q-PCR or both.

RESULTS

Ten patients were male and five female, with an age range of 17-61 years (median 44). Tumor size ranged from 2 to 15 cm (median 8). Mitoses per 10 HPF ranged from 4 to 27 (median 9.5). Eleven tumors were monophasic fibrous SS, one biphasic SS and three poorly differentiated SS. SMA, Desmin, CD34, CD117 and S100 were negative in all cases, whereas EMA and/or CK AE1/AE3 were positive in all cases. TLE1, BCL2 and CD56 were positive in all tested cases. DOG1 was positive in one case. SS18 gene region rearrangement was demonstrated in all cases. A fusion transcript was amplified in eight cases: either SS18-SSX2 or SS18-SSX1 respectively in four cases each.

CONCLUSIONS

SS is increasingly recognized at visceral sites. Molecular analyses play a key role when dealing with usual histotypes in unusual sites. Correct diagnosis is crucial for appropriate therapy.

Malignant gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumor: A case report and review of the literature

Malignant gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumor (GNET) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma, previously referred to as clear cell sarcoma-like gastrointestinal tumor (CCSLGT) and also commonly reported in the literature as clear cell sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract (CCS-GI). The current study reports a case of GNET arising in the stomach of a 17-year-old male, who presented with symptoms of fatigue, anemia and low temperature. Examination with positron emission tomography-computed tomography revealed a soft tissue mass in the gastric antrum. Subsequently, radical distal gastric resection was performed, and the mass measured 6.0×4.0×3.5 cm³. Histopathological analysis revealed that the tumor cells were arranged in nests and focally formed fascicular, pseudopapillary, pseudoalveolar and rosette-like growth patterns. Osteoclast-like giant cells were also observed. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for S-100 protein, vimentin and BCL-2, and negative for HMB45, Melan-A, CD117, CD34 and CD99. Additionally, the osteoclast-like giant cells were positive for CD68. Fluorescence in situ hybridization demonstrated EWSR1 gene rearrangement. After 10 months of follow-up, no evidence of recurrence or metastasis was observed. As GNET is currently classified differently and under various names in the literature, the information provided by this case study and review is predicted to be useful towards the accurate diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of this rare tumor type.

Clear Cell Sarcoma–Like Tumor of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Clear cell sarcoma is a rare tumor classically associated with tendons and aponeuroses of lower extremities of young adults and has a distinctive histopathologic and molecular profile. It has been rarely described in other locations other than soft tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract. Herein we report a case of clear cell sarcoma of gastrointestinal tract arising in the ileum, which is rich in osteoclast-like giant cells with a review of the literature.

Malignant melanoma of soft parts with osteoclast-rich giant cells: A rare tumour of the jejunum

Malignant melanoma of soft parts (MMSP), first described by Franz M. Enzinger, is a rare tumour of unknown cell origin. We describe a case of a 45-year-old male who presented with a one-year history of abdominal pain, weakness, and anaemia. Computerised tomography enteroclysis showed a mass in the jejunum that was suggestive of a gastrointestinal stromal tumour. An ulceroinfiltrative lesion measuring 6.5 x 4 x 2cm was identified. Microscopy revealed typical features of MMSP with numerous osteoclasts-like giant cells. The diverse histomorphology and immunohistochemical characteristics of this case involving a rare tumour at a rare site is presented.

Clear cell sarcoma of the esophagus: report of a case

We report a rare case of clear cell sarcoma of the esophagus and review the literature regarding clear cell sarcomas of the gastrointestinal tract. A 57-year-old male was admitted with dysphagia during swallowing. Preoperative imaging studies, including upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography, showed that the tumor was located between the mucosa and the muscularis propria of the lower esophagus. We performed subtotal esophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction. Pathological findings of the tumor showed mixed spindle cells and oval cells. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the tumor cells were positive for S-100, vimentin and neuron-specific enolase and negative for α-smooth muscle actin, myoglobin and c-kit. Fluorescence in situ hybridization using a Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 probe showed split signals in a small percentage of cells. We finally diagnosed the patient with clear cell sarcoma of the esophagus.

Small bowel metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma detected by capsule endoscopy

We report a rare case of metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to the small bowel that presented as a pedunculated epithelial polyp. A 60-year-old man with liver cirrhosis type B was treated for HCC (stage IVb) at our hospital. He had been admitted for melena and anemia. Capsule endoscopy was performed in this patient with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. It showed a polypoid lesion with bleeding in the ileum. Double-balloon endoscopy was performed. The lesion was determined to be a pedunculated polyp in the ileum. Histological examination of biopsy specimens showed tumor cells resembling HCC. We performed endoscopic mucosal resection for the lesion by double-balloon endoscopy to prevent bleeding from the tumor. The patient had no melena or anemia and his condition improved after endoscopic mucosal resection. However, he died of liver failure 2 months later.

Modeling clear cell sarcomagenesis in the mouse: cell of origin differentiation state impacts tumor characteristics

Clear cell sarcoma (CCS) of tendons and aponeuroses is a deadly soft-tissue malignancy resembling melanoma, with a predilection for young adults. EWS-ATF1, the fusion product of a balanced chromosomal translocation between chromosomes 22 and 12, is considered the definitional feature of the tumor. Conditional expression of the EWS-ATF1 human cDNA in the mouse generates CCS-like tumors with 100% penetrance. Tumors, developed through varied means of initiating expression of the fusion oncogene, model human CCS morphologically, immunohistochemically, and by genome-wide expression profiling. We also demonstrate that although fusion oncogene expression in later stages of differentiation can transform mesenchymal progenitor cells and generate tumors resembling CCS generally, expression in cells retaining stem cell markers permits the full melanoma-related phenotype.

Clear cell sarcoma of the jejunum: a case report

Background

Clear cell sarcoma (CCS), also known as malignant melanoma of soft parts, is a rare type of soft tissue sarcoma which exhibits morphological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural similarity with malignant melanoma. It is rarely localized in the intestine and the natural history of this tumor is not yet clear.

Case report

A 49-year-old woman presented with diffuse abdominal colicky pain and vomitus over the previous seven days. An X-ray of the abdomen revealed obstruction of the small intestine. The patient underwent contrast enhanced abdominal computerized tomography (CT), which confirmed the obstruction at the jejunum and an associated circumferential wall thickening extending about 3 cm in length, causing concentric narrowing of the lumen. At laparotomy, a mass was recognized at the level of the jejunum in the small intestine, which caused almost complete obstruction of the lumen. At the point of obstruction, adhered loops of small intestine were found. A segmental small bowel resection was performed with 5 cm clear margins and its respective mesenteric lymph nodes.

Results

Histological examination of the specimen revealed a tumor (3×3×2cm) with epithelioid cell characteristics and eosinophilic or clear cytoplasm and focal translucent nuclei. Immunohistochemistry was positive for S100, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and synaptophysin. The tumor was pankeratin AE1/AE2, GFAP, HMB45 and MART-1/Melan-A negative. Twelve lymph nodes were retrieved and were free of neoplastic infiltration. Cytogenetic examination revealed translocation of the EWSR1 gene. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course and left the hospital seven days after her admission in good general condition. After 20 months of follow-up the patient remains asymptomatic without any clinical or radiological evidence of recurrence.

Conclusion

CCS sarcoma can be rarely localized in the jejunum. Due to its morphological similarity to malignant melanoma, cytogenetic examination is necessary for its diagnosis. Wide resection of the tumor and its respective lymph nodes was associated with a 20-month disease free survival in this patient.