Astroblastoma with unusual signet-ring-like cell components: a case report and literature review

Neuropathology. 2002 Sep;22(3):200-5. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-1789.2002.00435.x.

Abstract

We report a case of astroblastoma with unusual signet-ring-like cell components. A 33-year-old-woman presented with occasional partial seizures of the face. Radiological studies revealed an enhanced frontal mass lesion. At surgery, a gray, soft, well-circumscribed mass was seen and shelled out. Histologically, the tumor showed a perivascular arrangement and papillary-like patterns with compact cellularity. The tumor cells radiating from the hyalinized vessels showed broader, shorter, less tapered processes. A part of each tumor cell displayed prominent islands of signet-ring-like cells. Glial fibrillary acidic protein reaction revealed strongly positive staining of tumor cells and signet-ring-like cells. Eight years after the operation the patient remains well with no tumor recurrence. It remains to be determined whether, in this astroblastoma, the unusual signet-ring-like cell components were related to benign biological characteristics or to the tumor's low-grade form with incidental signet-ring-like cell appearance.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • CD57 Antigens / metabolism
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Keratins / metabolism
  • Ki-67 Antigen / metabolism
  • Mucin-1 / metabolism
  • Neoplasms, Neuroepithelial / metabolism
  • Neoplasms, Neuroepithelial / pathology*
  • S100 Proteins / metabolism
  • Vimentin / metabolism

Substances

  • CD57 Antigens
  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein
  • Ki-67 Antigen
  • Mucin-1
  • S100 Proteins
  • Vimentin
  • Keratins