Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma: report of eight cases and a review of literature

Head Neck Pathol. 2009 Sep;3(3):179-85. doi: 10.1007/s12105-009-0124-3. Epub 2009 Jul 5.

Abstract

Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma (HCCC) is an extremely rare neoplasm with a female predominance, composed of nests of monomorphic clear cells within a hyaline stroma. This tumor often follows an indolent course and treatment includes wide surgical excision with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. We report eight cases of HCCC identified at two academic institutions in six women and two men, ranging in age from 25 to 86 years. Histologically, all cases demonstrated cords, trabeculae, and nests of monomorphic clear cells as well as cells with eosinophilic granular cytoplasm. Mild cellular atypia was occasionally seen and mitoses were very rare. Seven cases demonstrated a hyalinized stroma, and one case, a myxoid stroma. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for epithelial markers and negative for desmin and actin. Seven cases were negative for S-100. Cells were also positive for periodic acid-Schiff and negative for mucin. The important clinicopathologic features and the differential diagnoses of HCCC, as well as a review of the literature are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Multicenter Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell / pathology*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyalin / metabolism
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms / pathology*