Clear Cell Tumors of the Head and Neck: An Overview

Abstract

Clear cells are routinely encountered in the histopathological sections. They most frequently result from fixation artefacts; cytoplasmic accumulation of water, glycogen, lipids, mucins; hydropic degeneration of organelles, etc. When these clear cells predominate in a tumor, arriving at a definitive diagnosis becomes problematic. Thus, this review gives an idea of clear cells associated with various conditions, causes for clearing of these cells, clear cell tumors of the head and neck and a systematic approach towards arriving at an appropriate diagnosis of these tumors. How to cite this article Premalatha BR, Rao RS, Patil S, Neethi H. Clear Cell Tumors of the Head and Neck: An Overview. World J Dent 2012;3(4):344-349.

The Diagnostic Usefulness of Immunohistochemistry for Odontogenic Lesions

“…CCOC will demonstrate PAS positive, but mucin negative, material in cells, and often (but not always) express CK19 (Fig. 4a, b) and calretinin [48,49]. Other IHC which may be useful include markers for clear cell variant of melanoma (S100, Melan A), myoepithelial markers if salivary gland neoplasia is suspected (calponin, SMA, p63), and immuno-histochemical markers for metastases which may contain clear cells, such as renal (RCC, CD10) and prostate (PSA) carcinomas.…”

A rare case of clear cell variant of oral squamous cell carcinoma

“…[5] In this case, PAS and mucicarmine staining was negative, hence ruling out acinic cell carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Negative reaction of neoplastic cells for SMA (i.e., marker for myoepithelial differentiation), ruled out clear cell salivary gland malignancies of exclusive myoepithelial origin, such as clear cell myoepithelial carcinoma and hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma.…”

“…[4] Optical clearance of neoplastic cells in the H and E section can be due to artifactual changes, loss of cell organelles and/or accumulation of various substances, such as glycogen, lipids, mucopolysaccharides, immature zymogen granules and water in the cytoplasm. [5] However, the cytoplasmic clearance in the clear cell variant of SCC of skin is due to hydropic degeneration and accumulation of fluid, and not due to accumulation of glycogen, mucin, and lipids. [6]…”

Resolving the Diagnostic Dilemma of Clear Cell Odontogenic Carcinoma Using Special Stains: A Case Report

“…The present histopathological features prompted the inclusion of clear cell mucoepidermoid carcinoma (CCMEC), hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma (CCC), epithelial myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC), clear cell variant of calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (CCCEOT), CCOCa, and clear cell odontogenic ghost cell tumor (CCOGCT) as the differential diagnosis. 4 Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSSC) is the most common malignant epithelial tumor of all oral neoplasms. It occurs frequently on tongue, lips, and floor of the mouth.…”