Yonsei Med J.  2010 Jul;51(4):602-604. 10.3349/ymj.2010.51.4.602.

Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma of the Tonsil

• Eun YG
• Kim SW
• Kwon KH

• KMID: 1805203
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2010.51.4.602

Abstract

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) is unusual, and those with an extranodal origin in the head and neck region are extremely rare. To date, no cases of tumors featuring the characteristics of follicular dendritic cells were reported in Korea. We report a new case of FDCS of the tonsils in a 65-year-old man. A diagnostic tonsillectomy was performed. Based on histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings, the patient was diagnosed with FDCS. Adjuvant radiotherapy was performed due to a high mitotic count. The patient survived with a 2-year disease free period. The differential diagnosis of a tonsillar mass must include FDCS. In cases in which FDCS is suspected on histopathologic examination, an immunohistochemical study is essential for the diagnosis

Keyword

Follicular dendritic cell; sarcoma; tonsil; immunohistochemistry

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Preoperative endoscopic finding shows irregular round mass in right tonsil (superior view).

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  Fig. 2 (A) Surgical specimen shows irregular round mass measuring 3×2×1.7 cm in size on right tonsil. (B) The tumor tissue consisted of spindle to ovoid cell proliferation forming fascicles, storiform patterns, and whorls. Individual neoplastic cells show elongated vesicular nuclei with distinct nucleoli, plump, slightly eosinophilic cytoplasm, and indistinct cell borders (HE stain ×400). (C) Immunohistochemical findings of the neoplastic cells are positive for CD21 (×400).

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