Lymphohistiocytoid Variant of Malignant Mesothelioma of the Pleura: A Series of 22 Cases
Friday, April 27th, 2007.
American Journal of Surgical Pathology. 31(5):711-716, May 2007. [Link]
Galateau-Sallé F, Attanoos R, Gibbs AR, Burke L, Astoul P, Rolland P, Ilg AG, Pairon JC, Brochard P, Begueret H, Vignaud JM, Kerr K, Launoy G, Imbernon E, Goldberg M.
Mesopath Group, ERI 3 Inserm, CHU Caen, Caen, France. galateausalle-f@chu-caen.fr
Abstract
The lymphohistiocytoid variant of diffuse malignant mesothelioma is rare with very few cases described in the literature. It is characterized by mesothelial cells with a histiocytelike appearance and an associated dense lymphoid infiltrate. We studied clinicopathologic features and immunohistochemical patterns of a series of 22 cases. The histiocytelike cells had a mesothelial immunophenotype: AE1/AE3 (100%), calretinin (100%), CK5/6 (46%), and EMA (52%). The prominent lymphoid component showed a cytotoxic T-cell immunophenotype. Prognosis was similar to that of a large series of epithelioid diffuse malignant mesotheliomas. Formely, it was classified within the sarcomatoid type. We suggest that it should be reclassified as an epithelioid variant because of its similar behavioural characteristics. There was no evidence of Epstein-Barr virus-related infection.
Glossary
- prognosis
- (prog-no-sis) a prediction of the course of disease; the outlook for the cure of the patient. For example, women with breast cancer that was detected early and who received prompt treatment have a good prognosis.
- cytotoxic
- (site-o-tox-ik) toxic to cells; cell-killing.
- cell
- the basic unit of which all living things are made. Cells replace themselves by splitting and forming new cells (mitosis). The processes that control the formation of new cells and the death of old cells are disrupted in cancer.
- virus
- very small organisms that cause infections. Viruses are too small to be seen with a regular microscope. They reproduce only in living cells.
- mesothelioma
- a tumor derived from mesothelial tissue, such as the peritoneum (lining the abdomen) or pleura (lining the lungs). More on mesothelioma.
