Low-grade sinonasal sarcoma with neural and myogenic features: a clinicopathologic analysis of 28 cases

Am J Surg Pathol. 2012 Apr;36(4):517-25. doi: 10.1097/PAS.0b013e3182426886.

Abstract

Sarcomas of the sinonasal region are rare. We describe a distinct spindle cell sarcoma of the sinonasal region characterized by concomitant neural and myogenic differentiation. Consultation files and surgical cases from Mayo Clinic were reviewed. Twenty-eight cases were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Clinical data were collected from medical records, consultation letters, and referring pathologists. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction for synovial sarcoma fusion transcripts was performed on 18 cases. Cytogenetic studies were performed on 2 cases. The 21 female and 7 male patients ranged in age from 24 to 85 years (mean, 52 y). All cases showed a characteristic histology, which included a cellular spindle cell neoplasm with uniform, elongate nuclei and an infiltrative growth pattern. All tumors demonstrated expression of S-100 with actin positivity in 96% of cases tested. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction for synovial sarcoma fusion transcripts was negative in all cases tested. Cytogenetic studies conducted on 2 cases demonstrated the chromosomal translocation t(2;4). The nasal cavity (54%) and ethmoid sinus (57%) were the most commonly involved areas, singly or in combination. Follow-up information was available for 57% (16/28) of cases, with a mean of 8.3 years. Of these, 44% (7/16) experienced at least 1 recurrence. No patient has developed metastases or died of disease. We describe a unique tumor with a characteristic morphologic, immunophenotypic, and cytogenetic profile. On the basis of the locally aggressive nature of this lesion we believe it is best considered a low-grade sarcoma and suggest the term low-grade sinonasal sarcoma with neural and myogenic features.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Cell Nucleus / ultrastructure
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 2
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 4
  • Cytogenetic Analysis
  • Cytoplasm / ultrastructure
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nose Neoplasms / genetics
  • Nose Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Nose Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Nose Neoplasms / surgery
  • Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / genetics
  • Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / surgery
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Sarcoma / genetics
  • Sarcoma / metabolism
  • Sarcoma / pathology*
  • Sarcoma / surgery
  • Translocation, Genetic
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor