Introduction
Aggressive tumors are defined by their clinical and radiographic features. Criteria
include clinically displaying an expansive accelerated process greater than 5 cm with
frequent recurrence. Imaging characteristics include thinning of the cortical bone,
tooth displacement, and root resorption.[1 ] Difficulties in diagnosis of these lesions arise from identical or unclear clinical
and radiographic features for a broad range of lesions.[2 ]
Maxillofacial tumors are classified as odontogenic or nonodontogenic, as well as malignant
or benign.[3 ] Odontogenic tumors originate from epithelial, ectomesenchymal, and/or mesenchymal
tooth-forming tissues.[3 ]
[4 ] Nonodontogenic tumors may be derived from mesenchymal tissue or from osseous tissue
and express locally aggressive destruction or malignancy.[3 ]
The most prevalent malignant tumors affecting the pediatric population are rhabdomyosarcomas
and nonrhabdomyomatous sarcomas.[5 ] The latter include the Ewing family of tumors, osteosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, malignant
fibrous histiocytoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, and fibrosarcoma.[5 ]
[6 ]
We present a case of a 1-year-old child who demised with a rare disease: an aggressive
primitive tumor with fulminant progression, and histopathological profile, with a
lethal resolution after 2 months from the first clinical examination. The importance
of rapid diagnosis and clinical actions to prevent such unfavorable outcomes is discussed.
Case Report
A 1-year-old male child patient of mixed ethnicity, was referred to the oral medicine
service of the author’s institution, showing facial asymmetry symptomatic of an expansive
lesion extending throughout the body and ramus of the left hemimandible with a diameter
of 8 cm. Clinically, the tumor exhibited superficial telangiectasia, crackling consistency
at palpation, and similarity to adjacent mucosa ([Fig. 1 ]). Radiographic findings revealed an irregular lytic radiolucency involving a deciduous
tooth and a thinning line of cortical bone ([Fig. 2 ]). The first incisional biopsy procedure was performed under general anesthesia,
with a clinical hypothesis of Ewing’s sarcoma, osteosarcoma, or odontogenic myxoma.
Unfortunately, the extracted specimen was considered insufficient for histopathological
diagnosis. A second incisional biopsy was taken 2 weeks after the first attempt. At
this point, the lesion had doubled its size clinically. During the surgical procedure,
it was noted that the evolvement of the alveolar bone in the cervical region of the
primary mandibular left first molar (tooth #74) had extended.
Fig. 1 Expansive lesion extending into body and ramus in left hemimandible with superficial
telangiectasia, similar to adjacent mucosa.
Fig. 2 Irregular lytic radiolucency involving primary mandibular left first molar (tooth
#74) and cortical bone destruction.
The second histopathological evaluation found chondroid tissue infiltrated by spindled
myoepithelial cells with areas of canalicular formation, spindle cells with pleomorphism
cells and nuclei, hyperchromatism, and figures of mitosis, some atypical ([Fig. 3 ]). Hyperchromatic stratified epithelial cords and islets were observed. A positive
reaction to periodic acid-Schiff staining (PAS) with central clear cells of pleomorphic
nuclei was also detected ([Fig. 4 ]). The histopathological report suggested a high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC),
recommending further immunohistochemical investigation of the ectomesenchymal or neuroectodermal
origin of the tumor cells.
Fig. 3 (A ) Magnification 100x, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stain revealing chondromyxoid stroma
infiltrated by spindled myoepithelial cells with areas of epithelial cells arranged
in tubules. (B ) Magnification 200x, HE stain exhibiting nests of stratified epithelium in ductiform
structure surrounding amorphous eosinophilic material (arrow). (C ) Magnification 400x, HE stain evidencing chondromyxoid stroma. (D ) Magnification 100x, HE stain, hypercellularized biphasic neoplastic pattern of the
lesion. (E ) Magnification 200x, HE stain revealing pleomorphic fusiform cells stroma with islands
and nests of stratified epithelium featuring hyperchromatic nuclei with eventual atypical
mitotic figures, mesenchyme tissue (asterisk). (F ) Magnification 400x, HE stain, clear cell (arrow).
Fig. 4 (A ) Magnification 200x, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stain, myxoid tissue, bone reabsorption.
(B ) Magnification 200x, HE stain, pleomorphic fusiform cells stroma with islands of
stratified epithelium featuring hyperchromatic nuclei and clear cells in a ductiform
formation (arrow). (C ) Magnification 400x, HE stain, islet of epithelium (left arrow), and two eosinophils
cells (right arrow). (D ) Magnification 100x, HE stain, epithelium with clear cells and ductiform structure
(arrow). (E ) Magnification 100x, HE stain, stroma with fusiform hyperchromatic fibroblasts in
storiform pattern. (F ) Magnification 100x, periodic acid-Schiff positive epithelium with central clear
cells of pleomorphic nuclei in a tubular formation (arrow).
The blocs were referred to a private histopathologic consulting service for immunohistochemical
panel analysis. The immunohistochemical result is shown in [Table 1 ]
[Fig. 5 ]. The epithelial component exhibited primitive morphological appearance, perineural
noninfiltration, and absence of necroses areas. The conjunct findings discarded MEC
and favored a diagnosis of biphasic neoplasia of primitive nature with spindled cell
component.
Table 1
Immunohistochemical results in the present case
Marker
Positivity
DAK-p63
+
AE1⁄AE3
+
S-100 polyclonal
+
Calp
Focally +
CD99
Focally +
CDK4
–
MDM2
–
Fig. 5 Magnification 200x, immunohistochemical marker AE1/AE3 positive.
The patient was referred to the referenced cancer center for treatment. The medications
used during his hospitalization period are listed in [Table 2 ]. Complementary diagnostic exams following key diagnostic findings are listed in
[Table 3 ]
[Fig. 6 ]. He was referred to chemotherapy treatment; however, he evolved with anasarca, mixed
acid–base disorders, hydroelectrolyte imbalance, and due to his respiratory deterioration,
he was submitted to tracheotomy, and could not start the treatment cycle.
Table 2
List of medications uptake during the hospitalized period
Medication
Dosage
Abbreviation: IV, intravenous.
Calcium gluconate
100 mg/mL (10%) IV
Ranitidine
50 mg/2 mL IV
Dipyrone
1 g IV
Tramadol
50 mg/mL IV
Ondansetron hydrochloride
4 mg/2 mL IV
Dimethicone
75 mg/mL oral
Table 3
Investigative exams of the patient symptoms
Medical exam
Results
Abbreviation: CT, computed tomography.
Skeletal scintigraphy
Areas of increased bone remodeling in the mandible, and left and middle third of right
humerus
Thorax ultrasound
Extensive bilateral pleural effusion
Thorax CT
Diffuse thickening of interlobular septa
Extensive bilateral pleural effusion
Mediastinal and hilar vessels without changes
Preserved cardiac area
Absence of mediastinal lymph node enlargement
Head and neck CT
Heterogeneous hypodense soft tissue mass with areas of permeation necrosis, and partially
erodes left mandibular ramus, medially displaces tongue to the right
In the posterior region, it occupies parapharyngeal carotid space ipsilateral, in
close contact with the oropharyngeal medial wall
Abdomen CT
Severe ascites, centralized bowel loops
Liver of normal shape, volume, and homogeneous density
Gallbladder of anatomical aspect
Spleen of normal volume, and homogeneous density
Anatomical pancreas
Kidneys of shape, topography, and normal dimensions
Adrenal glands without changes
There is no evidence of retroperitoneal lymph node enlargement
Intact bone structure
Normal bladder
Lymphedema of the lower abdominal/pelvic subcutaneous cell tissue and proximal thighs
Pelvis CT
Muscle plan without changes
Absence of mass or collection
Intact bone structure
Pleural fluid culture
Negative
Fig. 6 Skeletal scintigraphy, using radiotracer Technetium Tc-99m with methylene diphosphonate,
and dose 30 millicuries showed areas of increased bone remodeling in the mandible,
and left and middle third of right humerus.
The patient died 2 months after the first biopsy procedure by acute renal failure
with tubular necrosis, before a final immunohistochemical report was reached. This
final report was still inconclusive and suggested a possible differential diagnosis
of a malignant odontogenic tumor.
Discussion
The histopathological profile revealed some microscopic features suggestive of a high-grade
MEC, such as PAS positivity with central clear cells of nuclear pleomorphism, mitotic
activity, and hyperchromatic basal cell cords and islets. Also, the spindled myoepithelial
cells resembled the histopathology of pleomorphic adenoma, increasing the possibility
of a salivary tumor with bone invasion.[7 ]
[8 ]
The ectomesenchymal origin of the tumor does not exclude possible differential diagnoses
including odontogenic tumors, and the neuroectodermal origin related it to primitive
tumors. The ectomesenchyma and/or mesenchyma is derived from embryonic connective
tissue differentiated from neural crest cells (NCCs) sourced from neuroectodermal
tissue. NCCs have a potential role in the development of the face and teeth.[9 ]
The neuroectodermal origin of primitive tumors is related to the embryologic aspect
of NCCs, whereas the cells of Ewing’s sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET)
originate from the primitive neural crest.[10 ] Another important outcome sustaining Ewing’s sarcoma/PNET is the PAS positivity
marked in histopathological and S-100 stains in the immunohistochemical panel ([Table 1 ]).[7 ] The positive reaction to PAS appears in several head and neck tumor types, such
as granular cell tumor, MEC, clear cell carcinoma, clear cell odontogenic carcinoma,
secretory carcinoma, Ewing’s sarcoma/PNET, and others.[7 ] The S-100 protein was previously believed to be of neural crest origin, but it manifested
in vastly different cells. Its marking is related to cancer and associated with oral
diseases such as oral mucosal melanomas. Gland tumors, including undifferentiated
carcinoma and others, are also expressed by this protein. Also, tumors such as Ewing’s
sarcoma/PNET exhibit S-100 positive immunoreaction.
Studies revealed S-100 marking in epithelial and ectomesenchymal structures in some
odontogenic tumors, linked to NCCs.[11 ] Molecularly, the p63 gene is primordial for noble structure formation during limb
and epidermal morphogenesis, harboring adnexa organs such as teeth, glands, and hair.
In oral mucosa, basal layers manifest the p63 pattern.[12 ]
[13 ] Immunoreactivity to molecular weight cytokeratins reflects tumor cell activity,
as these markers are positive in epithelial cell carcinomas.[14 ] Pancytokeratins (AE1/AE3), in normal myoepithelial cells, are negative, but their
stain expresses the proliferative component of myoepithelial cells.[15 ] Finally, calponin is a specific protein of smooth muscle, present in myofibroblast
and myoepithelial cells.[16 ]
Immunostaining did not indicate MEC; however, it evidenced primitive aspect. It is
important to note, though, that there are no specific markers for MECs. On the other
hand, p63 stains the epidermoid structure and is an effective marker to differentiate
MEC from acinic cell carcinoma and distinguish low-grade MEC from mucous retention
cysts and papillary cystadenoma of the salivary glands.[16 ]
[17 ] Yet, expression of protein p63 only in basal cells indicates normal oral epithelium,
discarding a malignant nature.[12 ]
The perineural noninfiltration and absence of necrosis observed in the case did not
support the malignant tumor idea. Meanwhile, the oral and maxillofacial region is
a common site of benign but aggressive lesions.[6 ]
The immunohistochemical panel did not complete a diagnosis for this case and discard
the MEC possibility. However, it pointed to a biphasic neoplasia and primitive epithelium,
which could mean a grand range of tumors.
To fulfill the final diagnosis, additional markers could bring more important information.
Soft tissue sarcomas are a diversified group comprising different histologic origins
and common histopathologic features. Vimentin, a nonspecific marker, seems to react
with all soft tissue tumors and is considered as a control marker preserved in the
tissue.[18 ] It is positive in most sarcomas, melanoma, some carcinomas and lymphomas, but negative
in alveolar soft part sarcoma and perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasms.[19 ] Keratin and epithelial membrane antigen are expressed unusually in some soft tissue
tumors including synovial sarcoma, epithelioid sarcoma, chordoma, and myoepithelioma/myoepithelial
carcinoma.[18 ] Ki -67 (MIB1) is a nuclear proliferation marker correlated with mitotic count, cellularity,
and histological grade,[19 ] expressed at all phases of the cell cycle except the resting G0 stage.[18 ] It allows to attain the frequency of proliferating cells. CDK4, a protein implicated
in cell cycle progression, and MDM2, inhibitor of p53 transcriptional activation,
are differential markers to distinguish liposarcomas from other differentiated sarcomas.[20 ] Both are usually negative for lipoma, pleomorphic liposarcoma, and myxoid liposarcoma.[19 ] SOX9 is a sensitive marker for cartilaginous differentiation, and is useful to characterize
mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (MSC) from other small blue round cell tumors.[21 ] The p53 is a tumor suppression protein that regulates the transcription of genes
important in cell cycle arrest and in apoptosis.[18 ]
We suspect this aggressive primitive tumor led to a neuroectodermal trend or an odontogenic
trend ([Table 4 ]), but with the latter very primitive. Furthermore, we considered biphasic tumors
with metastasis potential such as MEC, Ewing’s sarcoma/PNET, odontogenic carcinosarcoma,
neuroblastoma, MSC, synovial sarcoma, and desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT).
Table 4
Pediatric mandibular tumors comparative nature
Tumor
Pathological features
Localization
Clinical
Histopathological
Origin
Immunohistochemical profile
Abbreviations: CEA, carcinoembryonic antigen; EMA, epithelial membrane antigen NFP,
neurofilament protein; NSE, neuron specific enolase; MAP-2, microtubule associated
protein-2; PCNA, proliferating cell nuclear antigen; PNET, primitive neuroectodermal
tumor.
Odontogenic carcinosarcoma
Mandible[7 ]
Expansion of body and ramus of mandible; painless or lip with numbness[7 ]
Cord-like epithelial branching separated by stroma with hypercellular fibroblastic;
pleomorphic cells, bizarre nuclei, and some mitosis. Epithelial structure malingnant[7 ]
Epithelial and mesenchymal, both malignant[7 ]
p53, Ki -67[7 ]
Ameloblastic fibrosarcoma
Posterior jaws[7 ]
Expansile mass with deficit of nerve[7 ]
Bland-like benign epithelial component; malignant mesenchymal; nuclear crowding, hypercellularity,
some atypia and mitoses[7 ]
Epithelial and mesenchymal but only the latter malignant[7 ]
Ki67, Bcl-2, PCNA, c-KIT, p53[19 ]
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Primary intraosseous are rare[7 ]
Depends on site, size, and grade. Intraosseous site was not specified[7 ]
Squamoid component; clear-cell, oncocytic and sclerosing variants can occur[7 ]
Salivary gland[7 ]
Usually positive for CK5, CK6, CK7, CK8, CK14, CK18, CK19, EMA, CEA, p63. Focal expression
of S100, c-KIT, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and vimentin[17 ]
Ewing's sarcoma/PNET
Skull and mandible[7 ]
Pain, mass lesion, nasal obstruction[7 ]
Cord-like appearance, small round cells, mitotic activity[7 ]
Neuroectodermal[7 ]
NSE, S100 protein, synaptophysin, chromogranin, NFP, GFAP, CD117[7 ]
Synovial sarcoma
Mandible[32 ]
Palpable, deep-seated swellings, with or without associated pain or tenderness[7 ]
Several monophasic subtypes (i.e., spindle-cell, calcifying/ossifying, myxoid, and
poorly differentiated) and biphasic subtypes with glandular or solid epithelial cells[7 ]
Mesenchymal[7 ]
CK, EMA, vimentin, CD68, CD-99, E-cadherin, Collagen IV[19 ]
Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma
Mandible[31 ]
Swelling, firm, hard mass destroying the jaw bones[31 ]
Bimorphic pattern composed of islands of well differentiated hyaline cartilage juxtaposed
to a small, round cell undifferentiated malignancy[31 ]
Mesenchymal[31 ]
S100, vimentin, CD57, SOX9[19 ]
Desmoplastic small round cell tumor
Abdominal or pelvic cavity[35 ]
Abdominal pain, weight loss, umbilical hernia, ascites, increased abdominal girth,
constipation, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly[34 ]
Solid sheets, large nests, small clumps, or cords of cohesive, small, round, ovoid,
or spindled cells lying in a hypocellular, desmoplastic, collagenous stroma[34 ]
Mesenchymal[34 ]
NSE, Desmin, CK/EMA, WT1[19 ]
Neuroblastoma
Adrenal medulla[24 ]
Palpable abdominal abnormalities and/or complaints related to mass effect on adjacent
organ systems[24 ]
Nests, lobules, or sheets of cells, often separated by richly vascular or hyalinized
fibrous stroma[7 ]
Ectodermal neural crest cell[24 ]
NB84, MAP-2, neurofilament, synaptophysin, NSE, protein gene product 9.5, β-catenin,
CD56[17 ]
Ewing’s sarcoma, now labeled by the World Health Organization (WHO)[7 ] as the same tumor as PNET, is a high-grade sarcoma of primitive small round cells.
These tumor types were formerly distinguished based on the quantity of neuroectodermal
differentiation, which is more often present in PNET. Ewing’s sarcoma/PNET occurs
mostly in children, but not exclusively to this group. There is a predominance in
males. The head and neck are not usual sites, but the mandible and skull are mainly
affected in this region. Commonly, pain and swelling are associated, with Ewing’s
sarcoma/PNET. It shows aggressive behavior and growth quickly, following general clinical
features including mass lesion. This tumor is composed of small round cells with some
mitotic activity, and spindled or clear-cell variants can occur. A PAS-positive reaction
is present, and cytokeratins are stained in one-third of cases. Also, neural marker
S-100 is reactive. Metastasis can occur, but mostly in cases in lungs and bones. No
mandible-to-humerus metastasis was found by searching in the literature.[5 ]
[7 ]
[22 ]
Neuroblastoma is a commonly solid tumor in pediatric patients, arises from the ectodermal
NCCs of the sympathetic nervous system, most commonly in the adrenal medulla.[23 ]
[24 ] This tumor is detected as metastatic presentation in ~60 to 70%.[25 ] The mandible is an unusual site for neuroblastoma.[26 ]
MSC, histologically a biphasic pattern of both small cells and islands of atypical
cartilage, is a rare high-grade of variant of chondrosarcoma.[27 ] The predilection is in female and appears in the nervous system in patients at age
20 to 30 or in soft tissues in patients at age 40 or older.[28 ] It is an aggressive tumor with high tendency to metastasize to the lungs, lymph
nodes, and other bones.[29 ]
[30 ] However, MSC originating from the mandible has different treatment and outcomes.
Vencio et al reviewed a clinicopathologic study of 19 cases of MSC of the jaw bones,
and confirmed the propensity to occur in children and young adult, and suggested a
better prognosis than for other sites.[31 ]
Synovial sarcoma is soft tissue tumor that rarely affects the head and neck region,
especially in the mandible.[32 ] It is a mesenchymal malignancy, microscopically showing a biphasic appearance with
distinct epithelial and spindle cell components, involving predominantly young adults,
and regardless of its name, this tumor is commonly diagnosed in areas having no relation
with synovial structures.[33 ]
DSRCT is an aggressive, malignant tumor usually involving the abdominal or pelvic
cavity of children. Histologically presents small round cells organized in nests and
separated by a dense collagenized and desmoplastic stroma.[19 ]
[34 ] Küpeli et al reported a case of DSRCT in an unexpected site, the mandible, with
a recurrence in the foot.[35 ]
Due to the aggressive and primitive nature of the tumor, two odontogenic tumor diagnoses
were truly considered in the case: odontogenic carcinosarcoma and ameloblastic fibrosarcoma
(AFS). The difference between both remains in the malignancy of the epithelial component.[7 ]
According to the WHO, odontogenic carcinosarcoma is a very rare malignant mixed-odontogenic
neoplasm, with the jaw being the only reported site. Clinically, the tumor causes
asymptomatic expansion of the body and ramus of the mandible. The cortical bone shows
poorly defined borders in radiographic analysis. Both epithelial and mesenchymal tissues
exhibit malignancy. The histopathology of odontogenic carcinosarcoma reveals epithelial
cords with hyperchromatic nuclei separated by hypercellular fibroblastic stroma and
pleomorphic cells, some with mitosis. Malignant spindle cell proliferation may be
associated with ameloblastic carcinoma and is well identified as sarcomatoid ameloblastic
carcinoma instead of odontogenic carcinosarcoma.[7 ]
AFS is an odontogenic sarcoma that differs from odontogenic carcinosarcoma’s benign
epithelial component. Some researchers believe that AFS arises from a pre-existing
benign ameloblastic fibroma. AFS affects patients of any age, but the second decade
of life has demonstrated elevated manifestation. There is a prevalence of AFS in males.
Preference for the mandible was noted, especially in posterior jaws. An expansible
mass is a clinical feature. Histopathology reports mesenchymal component malignancy,
but a benign epithelial component with peripheral palisading, cytological atypia,
and mitoses.[7 ]
[36 ]
However, there was an important factor hindering an appropriate diagnosis process
in this case: the inequalities of the health system in Brazil. The public service
demand has increased along with a human resource shortage. The northern region of
Brazil in particular has had an insufficient health services network identified, while
the capitals harbor medium- and high-complexity services. Developed regions have better
attendance; hence, they have more structure and better conditions. This pattern is
observed in the southeast and south compared with northern and northeastern areas.[37 ]
[38 ]
[39 ] The additional investigation in this case was performed in another region because
there is no center for immunohistochemical analysis in the author’s region, limiting
clinical takes and leading to conduct changes. Once the patient died, the public health
service does not pay highly complex biomolecular examinations, nor did the family
allow the body to be exhumed for further investigation.
Early diagnosis can prevent further lethal development of such aggressive mandibular
tumor. Clinicians and pathologists must identify these unusual features that lead
rapidly to a severe and sudden lesion resolution as metastasis followed by paraneoplastic
syndromes (PNS). Immunohistochemistry is the primary choice to perform additional
investigation once the histopathological report results inconclusive.
It is important to note that a series of disorders deemed PNS may take a rapid course
leading to remote effects produced indirectly by the tumor, such as endocrine, cutaneous
or dermatologic, hematologic, osteoarticular or rheumatologic, neurologic, and ocular
syndromes.[40 ] Rahbar et al presented a case of Cushing’s syndrome due to adrenocorticotropic-secreting
peripheral PNET.[41 ] de Souza Azevedo et al reported of synchronous orofacial granulomatosis associated
with MEC, however, the identification of associated pathological processes as a PNS
is difficult depending on the constancy shown in a series of cases. Such large casuistic
is difficult to obtain in rare tumors.[42 ] Usually, PNSs are often associated with small cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma
of the lung, oral cancers are less commonly related to PNSs.[43 ]