Histiocytic malignancies: Morphologic, immunologic, and enzymatic heterogeneity

R. R. Turner, G. S. Wood, J. H. Beckstead, T. V. Colby, S. J. Horning, R. A. Warnke

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

125 Scopus citations

Abstract

We have studied 14 hematopoietic malignancies with histologic features of histiocytic differentiation, using frozen section immunologic stains, plastic section enzyme histochemistry, and paraffin section immunocytochemistry. There was morphologic, immunologic, and enzymatic heterogeneity, including findings in seven cases that suggested differentiation toward specialized subsets of histiocytes. Four cases expressed a mature monocyte/macrophage phenotype by frozen section monoclonal antibody staining and three of these had histiologic patterns diagnostic of malignant histiocytosis; two other cases had ATPase and S100 protein reactivity and morphologic features consistent with interdigitating (reticulum) cell proliferations; and one case was alkaline phosphatase positive, suggestive of differentiation toward fibroblastic reticulum cells. Four cases had histologic findings consistent with malignant histiocytosis, but weak or unreactive staining patterns and were considered poorly differentiated histiocytic or primitive hematopoietic malignancies. Three other cases, also morphologically consistent with malignant histiocytosis, were identified as probable T-cell lymphomas. The morphologic and phenotypic characteristics of non-neoplastic histiocytes and dendritic cell types and their related neoplasms are discussed. Histiocytic malignancies comprise a diverse group that can be identified and subclassified by immunologic and enzymatic techniques.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)485-500
Number of pages16
JournalAmerican Journal of Surgical Pathology
Volume8
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - 1984

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Anatomy
  • Surgery
  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Histiocytic malignancies: Morphologic, immunologic, and enzymatic heterogeneity'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this