Oncocytic tumours

Abstract

Oncocytic tumours represent a distinctive set of lesions with distinctive granular cytoplasmic eosinophilia of the neoplastic cells. These cells are called oncocytes because of the "swollen" appearance they have as the result of a striking accumulation of mitochondria. Although generally uncommon, oncocytic tumours are by no means rare and have been reported, with different frequencies, in virtually every organ. A variety of biochemical and molecular changes have been identified, and the aberrant biogenesis of mitochondria in oncocytic cells bears intriguing similarities to that of a group of degenerative disorders known as mitochondrial encephalomyopathies. Although the relationship between the accumulation of mitochondria and the occurrence of tumours is unknown, investigation into the cellular alterations of oncocytes may further our knowledge of a variety of important biological processes such as proliferation, energy production and ageing.

Lack of complex I is associated with oncocytic thyroid tumours

“…Oncocytic tumours and oncocytomas are benign or malignant tumours consisting of oxyphilic cells, characterised histologically by a fine granular eosinophilic cytoplasm and an increase in the number of mitochondria ultrastructurally (Tallini, 1998). Although oncocytic tumours are most frequently found in the thyroid gland, kidney and salivary glands, they have also been reported in various other organs, such as the brain (Gallina et al, 2006) and the skin (Jih et al, 2004).…”

Synchronous and bilateral oncocytic carcinoma of the breast: A case report and review of the literature

“…On routine hematoxylin and eosin staining of specimens, it is difficult to recognize eosinophilic cells as oncocytes (19). Immunohistochemical or electron microscopic analyses are required to distinguish these neoplastic cells (3,9). Apocrine metaplasia is frequently observed in breast lesions (20).…”

“…Oncocytic cells are occasionally observed in glandular epithelia that have high metabolic activity, including that in the salivary glands, thyroid gland, kidney, parathyroid gland and pituitary gland (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8). However, the mechanism of oncocytic change remains to be fully elucidated; it has been reported that oncocytic change may be a type of senescent change.…”

“…Oncocytes are cells with an eosinophilic granular and reticular cytoplasm and, in the majority of cases, immunohistological analysis by light microscopy reveals that >60% of the cytoplasm is occupied by mitochondria (2). Oncocytic tumors are occasionally observed in the salivary gland, thyroid gland, kidney, parathyroid gland and pituitary gland (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8).…”

“…Oncocytomas and oncocytic carcinomas, which are commonly used terms for benign and malignant tumors, respectively (3), are comprised of oncocytic cells. Oncocytic carcinoma of the breasts is extremely rare (9).…”