Neurocytoma arising in the pelvis

Virchows Arch. 2003 Aug;443(2):217-9. doi: 10.1007/s00428-003-0852-9. Epub 2003 Jul 3.

Abstract

Central neurocytoma represents a rare neoplasm of the central nervous system with advanced neurocytic and sometimes focal lipomatous differentiation, a low proliferative potential and a favorable prognosis depending on the efficiency of surgical resection. This entity has been described as an intraventricular tumor near the foramen Monroi. Here, we report a case of a 21-year-old male with peripheral neurocytoma. Using computed tomography, a tumor of unknown origin was located behind the bladder. After complete surgical resection of the tumor, histologically small uniform cells, zones of fibrillarity and neuropil-like islands were seen. Immunohistochemistry revealed positivity for the neuronal markers synaptophysin, neuron-specific enolase and neurofilaments. Vimentin, pan-keratin, desmin, chromogranin, CD-99 and glial fibrillary acidic protein were immuno-negative. A low proliferation rate (1-2%) was found. Several case reports described extraventricular central neurocytomas. A sole publication documented a peripheral neurocytoma arising within a mature cystic teratoma of the ovary. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case of a neurocytoma outside the central nervous system, indicating that this entity may also occur infrequently in peripheral tissues.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Humans
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Proteins / analysis
  • Neurocytoma / chemistry
  • Neurocytoma / pathology*
  • Neurocytoma / surgery
  • Pelvic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Pelvic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Pelvic Neoplasms / surgery
  • Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / surgery
  • Synaptophysin / analysis
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Synaptophysin