Large cell medulloblastoma with myogenic and melanotic differentiation: a case report with molecular analysis

J Neurooncol. 2008 Jun;88(2):193-7. doi: 10.1007/s11060-008-9548-y.

Abstract

We present a case of large cell medulloblastoma with myogenic and melanotic differentiation arising in the cerebellar vermis of a 2-year-old boy and following an aggressive clinical course. Histologic and immunohistochemical features of this tumor include primitive neuronal, rhabdomyoblastic, and pigmented epithelial elements, along with large cell features. Immunohistochemical and molecular data (c-myc gene amplification and the presence of isochromosome 17q) support the contention that this histologically diverse tumor represents a pattern of medulloblastoma with striated muscle and pigmented epithelial differentiation, rather than a teratoma or a cerebellar variant of melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy ('progonoma').

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Neoplasm / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms* / physiopathology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17
  • Epithelium / pathology
  • Epithelium / ultrastructure
  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Karyotyping / methods
  • Keratins / metabolism
  • Male
  • Medulloblastoma* / genetics
  • Medulloblastoma* / pathology
  • Medulloblastoma* / physiopathology
  • Melanoma-Specific Antigens
  • Muscle Development
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism
  • Neoplasms, Muscle Tissue / pathology*
  • Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive / pathology*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / genetics

Substances

  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein
  • MYC protein, human
  • Melanoma-Specific Antigens
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc
  • Keratins