NUT carcinoma

NUT midline carcinoma is a super rare tumour.

General

• Not specific to any tissue type or organ.
• Defined by mutation in NUT gene.
  • NUT = Nuclear protein in testis.

Clinical:

• Usually midline - as the name of the tumour suggests.
• Head, neck and mediastinum.
• Poor prognosis.

Microscopic

Features:

• Poorly differentiated carcinoma.
  • Cohesive malignant cells.
• Islands of well-differentiated squamous epithelium - key feature.

DDx:

• Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma.
• Poorly differentiated carcinoma.

Molecular

• Rearrangement of the NUT gene.
  • Most common: t(15;19)(q13;p13.1) BRD4/NUT.
    • One source suggests it is: t(15;19)(q14;p13.1).

See also

• Head and neck pathology.
• Mediastinum.