Alfredo Matilla

Yolk sac tumors with pure and mixed polyvesicular vitelline patterns

Four cases of polyvesicular vitelline tumor are presented; two were of a previously unreported pure type, and the other two were mixed with endodermal sinus tumor. The morphologic features of the vesicles favor an endodermal origin, as originally proposed by Teilum. Marked specialization of the vesicular lining cells, seen ultrastructurally, suggests a differentiation toward gut structures and mature yolk sac. One case of pure polyvesicular vitelline tumor showed massive erythropoiesis. We propose that the pure tumor reflects an intermediate degree of differentiation within the selectively endodermal yolk sac tumor group, that is, a further stage of organization than the endodermal sinus tumor. In our cases of pure polyvesicular vitelline tumor, the marked degree of differentiaiton was correlated with an improved prognosis, as in the case of the possible homologue of this tumor, the yolk sac tumor of the infant testis. In contrast, the two cases of the tumor admixed with endodermal sinus tumor illustrated the low survival rate expected in the pure endodermal sinus tumor; in these cases the metastases had no polyvesicular component. Because of the significance of such a difference in prognosis we emphasize the importance of an accurate diagnosis, suggesting that a large number of sections be taken in order to demonstrate any endodermal sinus tumor component that may be present, and that the possibility of pure polyvesicular vitelline tumor always be considered in the differential diagnosis of multicystic ovarian tumors.

Lymphoma of the penis.

AbstractWe describe the fifth case of lymphoma of the penis. These tumors represent secondary involvement of nodal lymphoma. Treatment should be the same as that for generalized disease. This neoplasm should be considered in the differential diagnosis of penile neoplasms.

Necrotizing sialometaplasia affecting the minor labial glands.

A case of necrotizing sialometaplasia of the lower lip, a previously unreported location for this lesion, is presented. In the past, other cases of this benign process occuring in this site may have been confused with squamous-cell or mucoepidermoid carcinoma. In order to arrive at the correct diagnosis, an ample biopsy of the lesion is mandatory.

'Benign' fibrous histiocytoma of the trachea.

Fibro-histiocytic neoplasms are uncommon in the respiratory tract. This paper presents a clinical and histological description of a case of fibrous histiocytoma at the level of the third tracheal ring. This cases shares some features with the four cases previously described, viz., the growth occurs mainly in young adults; recurrences are common; and all have shown similar benign histological patterns. Ultrastructural investigations confirmed the fibro-histiocytic nature of the neoplasm.

Vegetant Intravascular Hemangioendothelioma of the Skin

3 cases of cutaneous vegetant intravascular hemangioendothelioma are presented, 2 of them corresponded to a pure form, whilst the other arose in a pyogenic granuloma. All lesions behaved in a benign f

Mixed brenner and adenomatoid tumor of the testis. An ultrastructural study and histogenetic considerations

A previously unreported association of Brenner and adenomatoid tumor found in the tunica vaginalis testis is presented. Many ultrastructural features found in mesothelial cells such as intercellular spaces, deeply indented nuclei, tonofilaments and tight desmosomes, were also shared by cells present in both neoplastic patterns. The previous histogenetic origins ascribed to testicular Brenner tumors are discussed and the evidence for their origin in the mesothelium considered. Cancer 43:539–543, 1979.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2b in twins

The syndrome of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN or MEA) type 2b is characterized by the association of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, phaeochromocytoma, ganglioneuromatosis and Marfan‐like features. Though this disorder usually shows a familial distribution, it may also appear spontaneously as the result of a genetic mutation. This paper describes the second case of MEA type 2 in twins, and appears to be the first description in twins of the association of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, Marfan‐like features and multiple neuromas.

Carcinoma in situ of the Fallopian Tube Associated with Cervical Carcinoma: Case Report

A case of carcinoma in situ of the fallopian tube in a 55‐year‐old woman, associated to cervical carcinoma is described. The necessary criteria for the diagnosis of pre‐invasive carcinoma of the fallopian tube, among which the number of mitoses seems to be of great importance, are discussed. This previously unreported association of carcinoma in situ of the fallopian tube, with carcinoma of the uterine cervix, emphasizes the notion of the multicentric neoplastic possibilities of the müllerian tract derivatives.