glycogen and Penile-Neoplasms

Histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural studies were performed on two cases of histologically unusual extramammary Paget's disease. Histologically, the central area of the lesions showed a bowenoid pattern, and the peripheral area showed typical extramammary Paget's disease. The transition zone showed an intermediate pattern. All these areas were positive for CEA and EMA, and negative for S-100 protein. Ultrastructurally, in the intermediate pattern, the tumour cells had abundant cytoplasmic glycogen, and the widened intercellular spaces contained numerous glycogen particles, which were probably secreted by the tumour cells. It is well known that eccrine glands, but not apocrine glands, secrete glycogen particles. Therefore, the present findings suggest that some cases of extramammary Paget's disease are a proliferation of germinative cells with eccrine gland differentiation.

Topics: Aged; Bowen's Disease; Female; Glycogen; Humans; Male; Microscopy, Electron; Middle Aged; Paget Disease, Extramammary; Penile Neoplasms; Vulvar Neoplasms

One hundred eight patients were studied who had anogenital lesions showing microscopic features as seen in bowenoid papulosis (BP), a recently described condition occurring most commonly in young adults. Patients typically show multiple papules, small nodules, or plaques that clinically mimic verrucae or nevocellular nevi. Although the lesions show microscopic cytologic atypia, a distinction from Bowen's disease, erythroplasia of Queyrat, and other forms of carcinoma in situ can usually be made on the basis of histologic and clinical criteria. The disorder responds to conservative treatment, although recurrences are not uncommon. Evolution of the lesions to invasive carcinoma was not observed. Mounting evidence links the development of BP to infection with human papilloma virus, but other viruses, as well as hormonal and immunologic factors, may also play a role.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Antigens, Viral; Bowen's Disease; Carcinoma in Situ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; DNA, Viral; Erythroplasia; Female; Glycogen; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Male; Microscopy, Electron; Middle Aged; Papillomaviridae; Penile Neoplasms; Pregnancy; Sex Factors; Skin Neoplasms; Vulvar Neoplasms