Low-grade sinonasal adenocarcinomas: the association with and distinction from respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartomas and other glandular lesions

Am J Surg Pathol. 2009 Mar;33(3):401-8. doi: 10.1097/PAS.0b013e3181874ee8.

Abstract

Sinonasal adenocarcinomas (SNACs) are uncommon malignancies that show a variety of growth patterns. These lesions are classified as intestinal or nonintestinal, the latter subclassified as low grade or high grade. We have noted that some low-grade nonintestinal SNACs are associated with respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartomas (REAHs), also rare lesions that have recently been shown to be neoplastic. We reviewed 29 nonintestinal low-grade SNACs seen at our institution over a 20-year period, with particular attention to morphology and concomitant REAHs. Nine (31%) low-grade SNACs demonstrated a predominantly exophytic and papillary growth pattern, and 18 (72%) had a more tubular growth pattern. Two (7%) were categorized as "other." Six low-grade tubular SNACs were associated with REAHs. An immunohistochemical panel was performed on 2 of these cases; neoplastic cells were immunoreactive with antibodies to CK7 and S100 protein and nonreactive with antibodies to CK20, similar to other low-grade SNACs. No basal cells or myoepithelial differentiation was seen with immunohistochemical stains for p63 and 34betaE12. This association of low-grade tubular SNACs with REAHs suggests that REAHs may be related to some adenocarcinomas.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / complications
  • Adenocarcinoma / metabolism
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Hamartoma / complications
  • Hamartoma / metabolism
  • Hamartoma / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nose Neoplasms / complications
  • Nose Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Nose Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Paranasal Sinuses / metabolism
  • Paranasal Sinuses / pathology*
  • Respiratory Mucosa / metabolism
  • Respiratory Mucosa / pathology*