Primary adenomyoepithelioma of tonsil.

Abstract

We present a case of adenomyoepithlioma (AME) arising from the tonsil. AME is an uncommon tumor that typically arises in breast, but rarely found in salivary glands, lung, and skin. Its biological features have not been thoroughly characterized. Here we describe a primary AME originating from the tonsil. The pathologic changes were characterized by hypercellularity, the dominance of both epithelial and myoepithelial cells. Malignancy was evidenced by the presence of a high mitotic rate and invasive growth. The epithelial cells express high levels of cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA). The myoepithelial cells show positive staining for calponin, p63, vimentin, and S-100. A thorough review of the literature indicates that this is likely the first reported case of AME from the tonsil. Following descriptions of the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this specific case, pathologic and clinical characteristics of AME from other tissues are also compiled and discussed.

• Authors: Juan Ren, Liping Song, Qiang Dang, Xiaozhi Zhang, Shi-Wen Jiang, Guanjun Zhang, Ning Wang, Zi Liu, Jiansheng Wang, Yi Lisa Hwa, Zongfang Li, Xinhan Zhao, Yuan Liu
• Journal: Head & neck oncology (Head Neck Oncol) Vol. 2 Pg. 7 (Mar 31 2010) ISSN: 1758-3284 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 20356364 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Topics

• Adenomyoepithelioma (diagnosis, pathology, therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Tonsillar Neoplasms (diagnosis, pathology, therapy)