Sections from the zone of calcification of ruthenium red-fixed normal avian epiphyseal growth plates were analyzed by various morphological (histochemical) and analytical techniques. Calcium and phosphorus were identified in the chondrocyte pericellular rim, the uncalcified extracellular (territorial) matrix, and in both the peripheral and central aspects of the calcified accumulations within extracellular matrix. Cartilage proteoglycan, as determined by ruthenium binding, positive staining with acidic phosphotungstic acid, and the X-ray spectroscopic detection of sulfur, was identified in the same four zones. Thus, it appears that proteoglycans, in some form, are indeed retained at sites of biological calcification. Additionally, these macromolecules, synthesized in chondrocytes, may be involved in extracellular calcium translocation.

Sixty-three breast carcinomas were examined by electron microscopy to determine the frequency of calcium hydroxyapatite (apatite) within tumor lumina. Twenty-one adenocarcinomas contained apatite in intracytoplasmic and/or intercellular lumina. Well-differentiated tumors exhibited a higher incidence of apatite (44%), while only 20% of the poorly differentiated tumors contained apatite (gamma = +.22). There was no apparent correlation between the presence of apatite and a positive estrogen receptor assay. Ninety-eight adenocarcinomas of other than breast origin (previously processed for electron microscopy) were examined, revealing 2 cases containing apatite in the appropriate locations. The tissue of origin in one case was determined to be ovarian, while the origin of the second case remains undetermined. The ultrastructural finding of apatite in lumina of adenocarcinoma appears to be unusual in that it has only been observed in breast carcinomas and certain ovarian tumors. The presence of apatite within the lumen in addition to other characteristics of an adenocarcinoma may suggest the breast as the primary site.

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Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common malignancy originating from the thyroid, with a good overall prognosis. However, distant metastasis of such lesions is very rare, with the brain being an incredibly uncommon site for secondary spread. The authors report a case of PTC brain metastasis 17-years after successful treatment of the primary malignancy, with no local or locoregional recurrence. Initial diagnostic uncertainty necessitated the involvement of a multidisciplinary team, and eventually the patient underwent image-guided gross surgical resection with intraoperative neuromonitoring (IOMN).