Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) of the urinary bladder

Pathol Res Pract. 2003;199(11):751-4. doi: 10.1078/0344-0338-00492.

Abstract

We report on the clinical, morphologic, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and molecular cytogenetic features of a primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) primarily arising in the urinary bladder. An 81-year-old man presented with lymphedema of the lower extremities, fatigue, and urge incontinence. Radiographically, a tumor filling the entire cavity of the urinary bladder and extending into the pelvic and retroperitoneal tissue was noted. Histology of tumor biopsies showed a highly cellular, focally necrotic small round-cell tumor with numerous mitoses and occasional rosette-like structures. The tumor cells displayed significant immunoreactivity for neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and the MIC2 gene product (CD99). Dense-core granules were detectable by electron microscopy. A molecular cytogenetic analysis using comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) revealed gains of the chromosomes 3p, 6, 8q, 12, 17q, and 21q. The patient died two weeks after diagnosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the fifth reported case of a PNET of the urinary bladder, and the first that includes a molecular cytogenetic analysis based on CGH.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • 12E7 Antigen
  • Aged
  • Antigens, CD / metabolism
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods
  • Male
  • Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive, Peripheral / genetics
  • Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive, Peripheral / metabolism
  • Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive, Peripheral / pathology*
  • Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive, Peripheral / ultrastructure
  • Nucleic Acid Hybridization
  • Phosphopyruvate Hydratase / metabolism
  • Staining and Labeling
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / genetics
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / ultrastructure

Substances

  • 12E7 Antigen
  • Antigens, CD
  • CD99 protein, human
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Phosphopyruvate Hydratase