Calcified Chondroid Mesenchymal Neoplasm: Exploring the Morphologic and Clinical Features of an Emergent Entity With a Series of 33 Cases : The American Journal of Surgical Pathology

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Calcified Chondroid Mesenchymal Neoplasm

Exploring the Morphologic and Clinical Features of an Emergent Entity With a Series of 33 Cases

Kallen, Michael E. MD*; Michal, Michael MD, PhD; Meyer, Anders MD; Suster, David I. MD§; Olson, Nicholas J. MD∥,¶; Charville, Gregory W. MD, PhD#; Perret, Raul MD, MSc**; Gross, John M. MD, MS††

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The American Journal of Surgical Pathology 47(6):p 725-737, June 2023. | DOI: 10.1097/PAS.0000000000002044

Abstract

Calcified chondroid mesenchymal neoplasm is a term proposed for tumors with a spectrum of morphologic features, including cartilage/chondroid matrix formation, that frequently harbor FN1 gene fusions. We report a series of 33 cases of putative calcified chondroid mesenchymal neoplasms, mostly referred for expert consultation out of concern for malignancy. Patients included 17 males and 16 females, with a mean age of 51.3 years. Anatomic locations include the hands and fingers, feet and toes, head and neck, and temporomandibular joint; 1 patient presented with multifocal disease. Radiologic review showed soft tissue masses with variable internal calcification, which occasionally scalloped bone but in all cases appeared indolent/benign. Tumors had a mean gross size of 2.1 cm and a homogenous rubbery to fibrous/gritty tan-white cut surface. Histology demonstrated multinodular architecture with a prominent chondroid matrix and increased cellularity towards the periphery of the nodules. The tumor cells were polygonal with eccentric nuclei and bland cytologic features and showed a variable amount of increased spindled / fibroblastic forms in the perinodular septa. The majority of cases had notable grungy and/or lacy calcifications. A subset of cases demonstrated at least focal areas of increased cellularity and osteoclast-like giant cells. Herein, we confirm the distinct morphologic and clinicopathologic features associated with this entity with the largest series to date, with a focus on practical diagnostic separation from similar chondroid neoplasms. Awareness of these features is critical in avoiding pitfalls, including a malignant diagnosis of chondrosarcoma.

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