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.