Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma of the tonsil

Abstract

Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) are non-phagocytic, non-lymphoid cells of immune system, which are necessary for antigen presentation and regulation of the reactions in the germinal centers of lymph node. Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) is unusual and those with an extranodal origin in the head and neck region are extremely rare. Here, we report a case of FDCS of the left tonsil in a 27-year-old male patient. The patient presented with swelling of the left tonsil and resultant difficulty in swallowing for last three months. The tumor was excised and was sent for histopathologic examination. Microscopic examination and immunohistochemical analysis proved the case to be FDCS. After the diagnosis, the patient received post-operative radiotherapy. The patient is on six months follow-up which is uneventful.

The Non-Langerhans Cell Histiocytoses (Rare Histiocytoses) – Clinical Aspects and Therapeutic Approaches

“…To date, only few pediatric cases have been reported [105]. FCDS usually develops in the germinal centers of lymph nodes, in particular of cervical lymph nodes, but may also be detected in the gum, tonsils, tongue, abdominal soft tissues, liver, spleen [72,89,130,143] and, occasionally, in bones [99,181]. Constitutional symptoms, such as subfebrile temperatures, weight loss, mild anemia, and hypergammaglobulinemia are common [72].…”

“…Local tumors over 4 cm in size have a markedly worse prognosis [89,181]. In several patients, postoperative radiotherapy was appplied, leading to long-term remission [91,143]. For dissemiated disease, the combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy with CHOP [89,181,231] or other polychemotherapeutic regimens (e. g. dexamethasone, ifosfamide, cytarabin, etoposide, vinblastine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, methotrexate, also bleomycin or dacarbacin) have been applied; however the efficacy of chemotherapy is controversial [105,181].…”

Quiz Correct answer to the quiz. check your diagnosis High-risk follicular dendritic cell sarcoma of the tonsil mimicking nasopharyngeal carcinoma

“…The tumor cells were also positive for HMW-CK squamous epithelium marker [11]. All authors agree that the final diagnosis can be rendered only after immunohistochemical examination with follicular dendritic cell (FDC) markers [12]. These markers work well on formalin-fixed materials and are commercially available [7].…”

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma: two rare case series and a brief review of the literature

“…Adjuvant therapy appears to be indicated in cases of incompletely resected lesions or adverse pathological features during recurrence. 14 Because curative surgery was not possible for the patient with multiple bone metastases, we opted for chemotherapy for case 1. As for the second patient, we chose chemotherapy combined with cytoreductive surgery.…”