Clear cell tumors of the central nervous system: a case-based review

Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2012 Aug;136(8):915-26. doi: 10.5858/arpa.2012-0216-CR.

Abstract

Clear cell tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) encompass a variety of tumor subtypes that are challenging to diagnose given their similar morphologic features. Here, I use a case-based approach to review the clinicopathologic and radiologic features to help guide the general pathologist in the diagnosis of clear cell tumors of the CNS. First, the reader is invited to study 6 images of different CNS tumors with clear cell morphology. Then, each case is expanded in light of clinical and radiologic data and includes a histopathologic description of the tumor. A brief discussion follows with up-to-date diagnostic tools. Finally, I propose an immunohistochemical algorithm to navigate through the complex features that characterize clear cell tumors of the CNS. This review aims to provide a comprehensive approach to diagnosing clear cell neoplasms of the CNS based on improved assessment of the clinicopathologic and radiologic features of each entity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Central Nervous System / pathology*
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Cytoplasm / pathology
  • Decision Trees
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged