AN ENIGMATIC PHENOMENON OF CELLULAR CANNIBALISM IN SCHWANNOMA - PLAUSIBLE PATHOGENESIS AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE - A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Background: Cellular cannibalism is dened as cellular engulfment with death of the internalised cell. The probable etiology for this phenomenon might be nutritional depletion of a tumor microenvironment, tumor homeostasis or immune evasion. It is a well established indicator of aggressiveness. With this view in background, the aim of the present study to deciphering the occurrence of CC in schwannoma and to ascertain its biological behaviour. Furthermore to postulate the plausible pathogenesis behind it. Material and methods: Hematoxylin and Eosin stained sections of four schwannoma were retrieved from departmental archives and scanned for cannibalistic cells. In addition predominance of Antoni pattern (A/B) and degenerative changes (such as hemorrhage and hyalinized blood vessels) in schwannoma were also observed. While Results: observing cellular cannibalism in schwannoma, with increased in frequency of cellular cannibalism there is corresponding increase in Antoni A pattern and degenerative changes. These phenomena are depicted in schwannoma and Conclusion: could represent the change in biological behavior of tumor. The plausible pathogenesis underlying cannibalism in schwannoma are vascular insufciency provoked by the interrelated effect of hyper cellularity and degenerative changes like hyalinized blood vessels.