Metastases
Metastases are tumours that have spread from elsewhere and are separate from the initial (primary) lesion; usually, they are an ominous finding. They may also be referred to as secondary tumours.
Seen from pathology, metastatic disease and direct extension of a tumour (on a biopsy) may be distinguishable.
Metastases are not always obvious when encountered; thus, metastasis should be considered with every diagnosis of a malignant tumour.
Cancers of unknown primary are dealt with in the cancer article. A general approach to undifferentiated tumours is given in the basics article under the heading modified general morphologic DDx of malignancy.
Lymph node metastases are dealt with in the article lymph node metastases.
A handful of things have metastatic-like behaviour but are not malignant. Examples of benign things with metastatic-like behaviour are: benign metastasizing leiomyoma,[1] endometriosis, endosalpingiosis and benign nevus cells (in lymph nodes).[2]
Special types
In-transit metastasis
Definition - a separate tumour nodule that is:[3]
- >2 cm from the primary tumour.
- Arises between the nearest (regional) lymph nodes and the primary tumour.
- The tumour presumably arises from a lymphatic that drains the tissue in which the primary tumour grew.
Notes:
- It is called "in-transit", as it happens while the tumour is on the way to the regional lymph node.
- If a separate tumour nodule <= 2 cm from the primary tumour, it is known as satellitosis.
- Tumour deposits - in the context of colorectal carcinoma - can be understood as being the same thing; however, the details of the various definitions are different than the one above.
Specific sites
Internal organs
Lymph node
Other
Brain
Specific tumours
Melanoma
Osteosarcoma
IHC
- Dependent on (suspected) primary.
Not necessary to do stains/immunostains if all of the following are true:
- A primary is already established by pathology.
- The morphology of the lesion is compatible with the established primary.
- The clinical impression is a metastasis.
Sign out
This depends somewhat on the tumour. A synoptic is not done. Margin status should be commented on. A morphologic description is useful if a subsequent resection is done.
Bowel
SMALL BOWEL, RESECTION: - METASTATIC ADENOCARCINOMA, SEE COMMENT. - SURGICAL MARGINS NEGATIVE FOR MALIGNANCY. COMMENT: The tumour involves only the outer aspect of the bowel wall; the bowel mucosa is not involved. The tumour consists of glands with cuboidal tumour cells that have a moderate quantity of pale cytoplasm, and round nuclei. The tumour is moderately differentiated.
Spine
Pending
VERTEBRAL LESION, L1, BIOPSY: - ADENOCARCINOMA -- PENDING IHC.
LESION OF T7 VERTEBRA, CORE BIOPSY: - METASTATIC CARCINOMA, CONSISTENT WITH BREAST PRIMARY, SEE COMMENT. COMMENT: The morphology is compatible with a metastatic breast carcinoma. The tumour cells stain as follows: POSITIVE: CK7, ER, PR, MAMMOGLOBIN. NEGATIVE: CK20, TTF-1, CDX2, HER2, GCDFP. The immunostaining profile is compatible with a metastatic breast carcinoma. ER, PR and HER2 are interpreted as Class I IHC tests (results used by pathologists), as per the CAP classification.[1] 1. Am J Clin Pathol 133 (3):354-65.
Micro
Probable lung metastasis
The sections show atypical cohesive cuboidal-to-low columnar cells with moderate nuclear pleomorphism. The nuclei are round/ovoid and eccentrically placed in the cell. Nucleoli of moderate size are identified. Mitotic figures are present. The cytoplasm is lightly eosinophilic and vacuoles are seen focally.
See also
Reference
- ↑ Pitts, S.; Oberstein, EM.; Glassberg, MK. (Jun 2004). "Benign metastasizing leiomyoma and lymphangioleiomyomatosis: sex-specific diseases?". Clin Chest Med 25 (2): 343-60. doi:10.1016/j.ccm.2004.01.014. PMID 15099894.
- ↑ Cook, MG. (Oct 2004). "Benign melanocytic lesions mimicking melanomas.". Pathology 36 (5): 414-8. doi:10.1080/00313020412331283842. PMID 15370110.
- ↑ URL: http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary?cdrid=634128. Accessed on: 28 March 2012.