Decoding Blue Round Cell Tumours using Immunohistochemistry- A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Introduction: Small blue round cell tumours are heterogeneous group of neoplasms characterised by small, round and relatively undifferentiated cells. These tumours pose a great challenge to the histopathologist for definite diagnosis and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) plays an important role in the further evaluation of these tumours. Aim: To analyse the round cell tumours according to site, gender and age of the patient and ascertain the significance of IHC for its accurate morphological characterisation. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at Department of Pathology, Guntur Medical College, Andhra Pradesh, India, which included 53 patients from August 2013 to August 2015. Immunohistochemical studies were done to categorise the tumours using the relevant panel of immunohistochemical antibodies streptavidin biotin detection method. Frequency and percentage statistics was used to present the results. Results: Out of 53 cases there were 29 cases of Non Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), eight cases of Ewing’s Sarcoma/PNET, four cases of Esthesioneuroblastoma, three cases of small cell carcinoma, two cases of medulloblastoma, each one case of ependymoblastoma, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, sinonasal Undifferentiated Carcinoma (SNUC), mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, nephroblastoma, desmoplastic small round cell tumour and small cell carcinoma ovary. Conclusion: Most common tumour was NHL with highest incidence in males and age group of more than 40 to 60 years years. Immunohistochemistry represents an adjunctive tool for accurate typing and classification of round cell tumours.