The ultrastructure of epithelioid sarcoma

J Submicrosc Cytol Pathol. 1989 Apr;21(2):281-93.

Abstract

We have described clinical, histological immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features of four typical examples of epithelioid sarcoma. Smooth-muscle-type focal densities amid fine actin-like filaments in typical epithelioid cells often containing prominent rER have been observed, as well as a structure in the form of a densely granular cytoplasmic body. These features are suggestive of myofibroblastic differentiation. A tumour with light microscopy features typical of epithelioid sarcoma but of spindle-cell appearance is also described. Ultrastructurally this consists of myofibroblasts and it is suggested that this may be an unusual variant in which myofibroblastic differentiation is a major feature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
  • Female
  • Fibroblasts / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Keratins / metabolism
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle, Smooth / pathology
  • Sarcoma / metabolism
  • Sarcoma / pathology
  • Sarcoma / ultrastructure*
  • Skin Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / ultrastructure*
  • Vimentin / metabolism

Substances

  • Vimentin
  • Keratins