Perivascular epithelioid cell tumour

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumour, also known as PEComa or PEC tumour, is a family of mesenchymal tumours consisting of perivascular epithelioid cells (PECs).[1] These are rare tumours that can occur in any part of the human body.

PEComa
Histopathologic image of renal angiomyolipoma. Nephrectomy specimen. H&E stain.
SpecialtyOncology 

The cell type from which these tumours originate remains unknown. Normally, no perivascular epitheloid cells exist; the name refers to the characteristics of the tumour when examined under the microscope.[2]

Establishing the malignant potential of these tumours remains challenging although criteria[3] have been suggested; some PEComas display malignant features whereas others can cautiously be labeled as having 'uncertain malignant potential'.[2] The most common tumours in the PEComa family are renal angiomyolipoma and pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis, both of which are more common in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex. The genes responsible for this multi-system genetic disease have also been implicated in other PEComas.[2]

Many PEComa types shows a female predominance in the sex ratio.

Cause

The precursor cell of PEComas is currently unknown; there is no normal counterpart "perivascular epitheloid cell".[1] Genetically, PECs are linked to the tuberous sclerosis genes TSC1 and TSC2, although this link is stronger for angiomyolipoma and lymphangioleiomyomatosis than for other members of the PEComa family.

Diagnosis

Histology

PECs consist of perivascular epithelioid cells with a clear/granular cytoplasm and central round nucleus without prominent nucleoli.

Immunohistochemical markers

PECs typically stain for melanocytic markers (HMB-45, Melan A (Mart 1), Mitf) and myogenic markers (actin, myosin, calponin).

Differential diagnosis

PECs bear significant histologic and immunohistochemical similarity to:

Thus, it has been advocated that the above could be classified PEComas.[1]

PEComas are rare and can have myriad features; therefore, they can be confused with carcinomas, smooth muscle tumours, adipocytic tumours, clear cell sarcomas, melanomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST).[2]

References
  1. Martignoni G, Pea M, Reghellin D, Zamboni G, Bonetti F (February 2008). "PEComas: the past, the present and the future". Virchows Arch. 452 (2): 119–32. doi:10.1007/s00428-007-0509-1. PMC 2234444. PMID 18080139.
  2. Folpe, AL; Kwiatkowski DJ (2009). "Perivascular epitheloid cell neoplasms: pathology and pathogenesis". Human Pathology. 41 (1): 1–15. doi:10.1016/j.humpath.2009.05.011. PMID 19604538.
  3. Folpe AL, Mentzel T, Lehr HA, Fisher C, Balzer BL, Weiss SW (Dec 2005). "Perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasms of soft tissue and gynecologic origin: a clinicopathologic study of 26 cases and review of the literature". Am J Surg Pathol. 29 (12): 1558–75. doi:10.1097/01.pas.0000173232.22117.37. PMID 16327428.
Classification
External resources
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