A case of atypical granular cell tumor of the neurohypophysis

Pathol Int. 2000 Jul;50(7):568-73. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-1827.2000.01080.x.

Abstract

A case of granular cell tumor (GCT) arising in the neurohypophysis of a 63-year-old woman is reported. The tumor consisted of ovoid, polygonal or spindle-shaped cells in a sheet-like or fascicular arrangement. Its abundant cytoplasm contained granules positive for diastase-resistant periodic acid-Schiff reaction. Ultrastructurally, the tumor cells contained numerous polymorphic lysosomes of various densities. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for S-100 protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein and Leu7, suggesting that the tumor originated from pituicytes that were thought to be modified astrocytes in the neurohypophysis and its stalk. The granular cells showed nuclear atypia, pleomorphism and increased mitotic activity. Therefore, the present tumor was considered as a histologically atypical GCT. Interestingly, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, Ki-67 and p53 were stained in a few tumor cells of this case. These findings indicate that the present tumor had a malignant potential.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Female
  • Granular Cell Tumor / chemistry
  • Granular Cell Tumor / pathology*
  • Granular Cell Tumor / surgery
  • Humans
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Proteins / analysis
  • Pituitary Gland, Posterior / chemistry
  • Pituitary Gland, Posterior / pathology*
  • Pituitary Gland, Posterior / surgery
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Neoplasm Proteins