FNA of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma: Cytomorphologic, EM, and X‐ray microanalysis features

Abstract

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma, an unusual soft tissue lesion which preferentially affects the extremities, is a prime candidate for "pathologist performed" fine-needle aspirates (FNA) because it preferentially affects the extremities [Enzinger and Shiraki, Hum Pathol 1972;3:421-435] and is usually an accessible lesion. Cytomorphologically, the neoplasm consists of clusters of fairly uniform cells, lacking cartilaginous differentiation, with a metachromatic matrix when stained with Diff-Quik (DQ). While subtle, this neoplasm has distinct features and must be distinguished for other neoplasms in the differential diagnosis because patient evaluation, prognosis, and therapy will vary greatly. We present a case characteristic of this tumor in which FNA derived material was subjected to light microscopy, X-ray microanalysis, and immunohistochemical studies; each modality provided data essential to the correct diagnosis.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Primary Extraskeletal Myxoid Chondrosarcoma

“…Other reports have described similar 4,7 or slightly different 6,10 cytologic findings. Cartilagelike cells with identifiable lacunar spaces and pleomorphic mesenchymal cells with prominent nucleoli have been reported.…”

Cytopathology of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma

“…5 After excluding cases of skeletal chondrosarcoma involving soft tissue, we found 29 cases describing the cytopathology of EMC in the English literature (Table 3). [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] Series containing 5 cases, 21 4 cases, 23 3 cases, 16 and 2 cases 24 have been reported. All remaining examples are single-case reports.…”

Fine Needle Aspiration Diagnosis of Lipoblastoma of the Parotid Region

“…The cells are characterized by eosinophilic cytoplasm, moderate nuclear atypia and the presence of cartilagenous differentiation (lacunae). 13,40,50,55 Chordomas show myxoid cytologic findings and are easily differentiated by the presence of physalipherous cells. 40 Nodular fascitiis is a superficial, small tumor often located in the extremities, or head and neck; its cytologic features include fibroblastlike cells, ganglionlike cells, and triangular and polygonal cells admixed with inflammatory cells.…”