Histogenesis of intralesional fibrous septum in chordoma

Pathol Res Pract. 2005;201(6):443-7. doi: 10.1016/j.prp.2005.05.007.

Abstract

Intralesional fibrous septum (IFS), a histologic architecture that is typical of chordoma, consists of proliferating spindle-shaped, fibroblast-like cells with an abundance of collagen fibers. However, the histogenesis of IFS is still controversial. In a series of 122 chordomas, special emphasis was placed on the morphology of host tissues involved in IFS and on a transition between IFS and neighboring tissues. In 23 lesions, IFS was also characterized both histochemically and immunohistochemically. IFS was observed in 79 (64.8%) lesions. Occasionally, IFS contained bone fragments and hyalinized matrix with no lining of osteoblastic cells, suggesting degenerated rather than metaplastic bone tissue. Moreover, IFS occasionally showed a direct transition to host bone trabeculae. Histochemically and immunohistochemically, IFS included calcium deposits positive for Alizarin red S staining and expressed both type I and type III collagen. In extraosseous lesions extending to the adjacent soft tissues, IFS frequently involved muscle fibers or peripheral nerve fibers and displayed a smooth transition to neighboring soft tissues. We believe that IFS is induced by a tumor-host interaction that is based on the host bone trabeculae in intraosseous lesions or on soft tissues in extraosseous lesions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anthraquinones
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Chordoma / metabolism
  • Chordoma / pathology*
  • Collagen / metabolism
  • Coloring Agents
  • Female
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Fibroblasts / pathology
  • Fibrosis / metabolism
  • Fibrosis / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Staining and Labeling

Substances

  • Anthraquinones
  • Coloring Agents
  • alizarin
  • Collagen
  • Calcium