Demystifying NUT midline carcinoma: radiologic and pathologic correlations of an aggressive malignancy

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2014 Oct;203(4):W391-9. doi: 10.2214/AJR.13.12401.

Abstract

Objective: NUT midline carcinoma is a rare poorly differentiated aggressive subtype of squamous cell carcinoma. To date, fewer than 100 total cases have been reported.

Conclusion: Given the rarity of this disease process and lack of pathognomonic imaging findings, a definitive diagnosis based solely on imaging findings alone is untenable. Select cases are used to emphasize the particularly infiltrative and aggressive nature of NUT midline carcinoma, which shows a complete disregard for normal tissue boundaries and rapid progression during brief intervals.

Keywords: NUT midline carcinoma; aggressive malignancy; genetic typing.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / genetics
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / genetics
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • NUTM1 protein, human
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Oncogene Proteins