Latent adrenal Ewing sarcoma family of tumors: A case report

Leg Med (Tokyo). 2013 Mar;15(2):96-8. doi: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2012.08.008. Epub 2012 Sep 12.

Abstract

Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT) is derived from the neural crest, which originates from basal embryo cells in the primitive neural tube. ESFT often arises at the bone, chest wall, and soft tissues of the thoracic region. However, ESFT that arises from the adrenal gland is much rarer and it is usually revealed by clinical symptoms. We report an autopsy case of suicidal hanging, in which adrenal ESFT was incidentally revealed. To our knowledge, this is the first case of latent ESFT arising from the adrenal gland. Autopsy can sometimes reveal latent disease. Some of these latent diseases are very rare and we would not be able to detect them without a complete autopsy. As forensic pathologists, we should attempt to perform a complete autopsy and report new discoveries for the development of medicine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Adult
  • Forensic Pathology
  • Humans
  • Incidental Findings
  • Male
  • Sarcoma, Ewing / pathology*
  • Suicide