Malignant myoepithelioma of the larynx with massive metastatic spread to the liver: an ultrastructural and immunocytochemical study

Ultrastruct Pathol. 1991 Jan-Feb;15(1):69-76. doi: 10.3109/01913129109021305.

Abstract

A malignant myoepithelioma arising in the submucosal glands of the larynx of a 71-year-old man is reported. The patient presented with a neck mass and massive metastatic involvement of the liver. Light microscopy of a liver biopsy specimen and fine-needle aspiration sample of the neck mass revealed a poorly differentiated carcinoma. Electron microscopic study of a second liver biopsy specimen demonstrated unequivocal features of myoepithelial differentiation; this was further confirmed by the strong cytokeratin and S-100 protein positivity and carcinoembryonic antigen negativity of the tumor cells. Myoepitheliomas are rare tumors, and most reported cases have been benign or of low-grade malignancy. The present case is unique because of its mode of presentation and fulminant course. It also underscores the usefulness of electron microscopy as a diagnostic modality in the work-up of metastatic lesions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoembryonic Antigen / analysis
  • Cell Nucleus / ultrastructure
  • Cytoplasm / ultrastructure
  • Humans
  • Keratins / analysis
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / ultrastructure*
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Liver Neoplasms / ultrastructure
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Myoepithelioma / chemistry
  • Myoepithelioma / ultrastructure*
  • S100 Proteins / analysis
  • Vimentin / analysis

Substances

  • Carcinoembryonic Antigen
  • S100 Proteins
  • Vimentin
  • Keratins