Primary cutaneous malignant perivascular epithelioid cell tumor: Case of a rare tumor with review of the literature

J Cutan Pathol. 2021 Aug;48(8):1088-1093. doi: 10.1111/cup.14034. Epub 2021 May 10.

Abstract

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) are mesenchymal neoplasms with characteristic epithelioid or spindled cytomorphology that typically grow around blood vessels. These tumors are phenotypically and immunohistochemically distinct, expressing markers of both melanocytic and smooth muscle differentiation. Herein, we describe a case of histopathologically malignant cutaneous PEComa without metastatic spread, with review of the pertinent literature. Telescoping punch biopsy demonstrated an epithelioid neoplasm with marked atypia, hypercellularity, and increased mitotic activity. Immunohistochemical stains for HMB-45, NK1-C3, PGP9.5, MiTF, CD10, and CD68 were positive within tumor cells. In addition, there was diffuse expression of caldesmon and focal cytoplasmic staining for smooth muscle actin on the excision specimen. The patient underwent treatment with surgical excision with adjuvant radiation and surveillance computed tomography (CT). The patient remains free of recurrence or metastatic disease after 10 months of follow-up. To our knowledge, this is only the third reported case of a malignant cutaneous PEComa reported in the literature to date.

Keywords: PEComa; cutaneous neoplasm; dermatology; dermatopathology; immunohistochemistry.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism
  • Adult
  • Biopsy
  • Calmodulin-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods
  • Margins of Excision
  • Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Neoplasms / surgery
  • Radiotherapy, Adjuvant / methods
  • Skin / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Actins
  • Calmodulin-Binding Proteins