Pleural-based neuroblastoma-like schwannoma: a case report with cytologic findings and review of literature

Diagn Cytopathol. 2015 Aug;43(8):650-3. doi: 10.1002/dc.23293. Epub 2015 May 4.

Abstract

We report a rare case of a 45-year-old African American woman with Neuroblastoma-like Schwannoma (Neurilemmoma) occurring in the posterior mediastinum as a pleural-based mass noted on computed tomography (CT) scan. A CT-guided core biopsy of the mass was performed and core biopsy imprints were prepared during the procedure. A Diff-Quik stain was performed for on-site evaluation of specimen adequacy. The hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was evaluated subsequently. Immunohistochemistry panels were applied to the same specimen. The cytologic findings of the core biopsy imprints showed hypercellular smears with a predominance of small cells with atypical features including hyperchromatic, round nuclei and occasional nucleoli. Neurocytic rosettes were particularly appreciated on H&E stain. The immunohistochemical results exhibited strong and diffuse immunoreactivity for S-100 and vimentin. This case enriches the cytopathology literature by providing awareness of this tumor presenting as a posterior mediastinal mass.

Keywords: core biopsy; cytology; mediastinum; neuroblastoma-like schwannoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism*
  • Eosine Yellowish-(YS)
  • Female
  • Hematoxylin
  • Humans
  • Image-Guided Biopsy
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Mediastinum / diagnostic imaging
  • Mediastinum / pathology
  • Mediastinum / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurilemmoma / diagnosis*
  • Neurilemmoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Neurilemmoma / pathology
  • Neurilemmoma / surgery
  • Pleural Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Pleural Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Pleural Neoplasms / pathology
  • Pleural Neoplasms / surgery
  • S100 Proteins / metabolism*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vimentin / metabolism*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • S100 Proteins
  • Vimentin
  • Eosine Yellowish-(YS)
  • Hematoxylin