30. Phaeochromocytoma
Staining: HE
Organ: Adrenal gland
Description:
The whole slide is tumor except for a small part on the lower right side, where we can see normal adrenal cortex.
The tumor cells show mild atypia and have eosinophilic cytoplasm and produce a pattern called “zellballen”, which looks like small nests. The nests are separated by a vascular network. The cells that seperate the zellballen are called sustentacular (supporting) cells.
Diagnosis: Phaeochromocytoma
Risk factors:
- Germ-line mutations in RET, NF1, VHL
Theory:
These tumors produce catecholamines sporadically, causing paroxysmal hypertensive crises.