CLEAR CELL TUMORS OF CNS: HISTOMORPHOLOGIC APPROACH TO DIAGNOSIS

Introduction:Tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) that may assume a clear cell appearance are diverse in nature. Primary conditions in this category include oligodendroglioma, hemangioblastoma, clear cell meningioma, pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma, and lipid-rich glioblastoma, chordoma, central neurocytoma.They can be correctly identified by giving attention to clinical presentation, location, radiographic findings, and histomorphological features, immunohistochemistry analysis wherever necessary.The literature was reviewed with emphasis on incidence, morphology and precise histopathological assessment of clear cells tumors of CNS.

Method: This study was prospective observational study of 33 Cases received from August 2020 to December 2022 for clear cell tumors of CNS. This prospective study was carried out in Department of Pathology of a tertiary care teaching hospital. The ethical permission has been obtained from Institutional Ethics Committee for conducting the study.

Result:Total 33 Central nervous system clear cell tumors were observed out of which 6 were benign and 27 were malignant cases. They can be correctly identified by giving attention to clinical presentation, location, radiographic findings, and histomorphological features in most of the instances. Two cases of metastasis identified in which immunohistochemistry in addition to morphological examination was performed to arrive at final diagnosis.

Conclusion:Clearing of cytoplasm or clear cell changes are seen in various entities of different locations due to diverse reasons. So whenever clear cell is encountered, algorithmic approach is required to further proceed. In most of the instances morphologic features directs us to reach at diagnosis along with clinical and radiological findings.