glycogen and Dysgerminoma

The aim of this electron microscopic study was to analyze and compare aspects of various histologically distinct seminoma variants including the classical form (11 cases), anaplastic seminoma (1 case) and seminoma with syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells. Sub-microscopic features of these seminoma types are essentially the same; these various seminoma forms can not be electron microscopically distinguished. Although the cytoplasmic structures of the tumor cells varied, the most striking feature was a high glycogen content. Three types of seminoma cells could be distinguished on the basis of the relation between glycogen accumulation and cytoplasmic organelles: 1. tumor cells with plentiful glycogen and scant organelles, 2. tumor cells packed with organelles including RER, mitochondria and Golgi-apparatus but with finely dispersed glycogen, 3. tumor cells with numerous free ribosomes but few organelles and little glycogen. Glycogenosomes are described here for the first time as distinct organelles in seminoma cells, suggesting a disturbed carbohydrate metabolism. Another typical finding was a network of fine filaments measuring about 4 to 6 nm which probably correspond to actin. By interweaving in all directions they produce a felt-like meshwork on the inner-side of the cell membrane. Based on the composition of the seminoma cell cytoplasm with its collection of special organelles including lamellae annulatae, chromatoid bodies and crystalline structures resembling Lubarsch crystals, the tumor cells may be interpreted as neoplastic germ cells related to the so-called atypical germ cells of the testis.

Topics: Adult; Cytoplasm; Dysgerminoma; Glycogen; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Male; Microscopy, Electron; Middle Aged; Organoids; Testicular Neoplasms; Testis

Two cases of occult seminoma were observed which showed left-sided lymph node metastases without clinically demonstrable testicular tumors. The peculiar histology of the lymph node metastases, namely PAS-positive tumor cells with clear cytoplasm together with a granulomatous stromal reaction, was highly suggestive of seminoma. Despite lack of testicular enlargement in both cases, a left-sided orchiectomy was done. Histologically, intratubular seminomas were found which confirmed the original diagnostic suspicions derived from the morphology of the lymph node metastases. It is concluded, therefore, that in the case of lymph node metastases with the above-mentioned structure, occult seminoma should always be taken into consideration. Because of the modern beneficial therapeutic implications, detection of occult seminoma is very important.

Topics: Adult; Dysgerminoma; Epithelium; Glycogen; Granuloma; Histiocytes; Humans; Lymphatic Metastasis; Lymphocytes; Male; Periodic Acid-Schiff Reaction; Testicular Neoplasms

Topics: Adult; Cell Differentiation; Cytoplasm; Dysgerminoma; Endoplasmic Reticulum; Glycogen; Humans; Male; Microscopy, Electron; Ribosomes; Testicular Neoplasms; Testis

Topics: Adult; Basement Membrane; Cell Nucleolus; Desmosomes; Dysgerminoma; Glycogen; Humans; Inclusion Bodies; Male; Microscopy, Electron; Organoids; Testicular Neoplasms; Thymoma; Thymus Gland; Thymus Neoplasms

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous; Adenocarcinoma, Papillary; Adenofibroma; Brenner Tumor; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cystadenoma; Cystadenoma, Mucinous; Cystadenoma, Papillary; Cysts; Dysgerminoma; Female; Glycogen; Granulosa Cell Tumor; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Male; Mesonephroma; Mucins; Neuraminic Acids; Ovarian Neoplasms; Ovary; Pathology; Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor; Sex Cord-Gonadal Stromal Tumors; Thecoma