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Abstract Vascular abnormality of the intestine is rare, except angiodysplasia. We report on an unusual case of atypical florid vascular proliferations of the appendix. A 41-year old male presented with melena. Adhesioned blood clots in the appendiceal orifice were observed by colonoscopy. He underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. Microscopically, a tiny exophytic polypoid mass was observed. The mass showed pyogenic granuloma-like features in the superficial portion and infiltrative florid vascular proliferations in the deeper portion. Endothelial cells showed minimal nuclear atypia, and mitotic figures were observed infrequently and showed positivity for CD31 and CD34 and negativity for HHV-8. Differential diagnoses include from benign vascular tumor to angiosarcoma or Kaposi’s sarcoma, but this lesion does not fit the description of any defined vascular entity. We diagnosed atypical florid vascular proliferations and the patient has been well during the five-month postoperative follow-up. Virtual Slide The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1386921325843104

Hepatic mesenchymal tumors (HMTs) are non-epithelial benign and malignant tumors with or without specific mesenchymal cell differentiation. They are relatively uncommon. Except for mesenchymal hamartoma, calcified nested stromal–epithelial tumor, and embryonal sarcoma, most mesenchymal lesions are not specific to the liver. Pathologists face challenges in diagnosing HMTs due to their diverse morphologies and phenotypic variations. Accurate diagnosis is critical for directing appropriate patient care and predicting outcomes. This review focuses on mesenchymal tumors with a relative predilection for the liver, including vascular and non-vascular mesenchymal neoplasms. It provides a thorough and up-to-date overview, concentrating on clinical and pathological features, differential diagnosis, and diagnostic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is detected in both normal and oncological developmental tissues. Among ALK-related tumors, superficial ALK-rearranged myxoid spindle cell neoplasm (SAMS) is a rare, soft tissue tumor characterized by the immunophenotypical co-expression of CD34 and S100. Here, we describe a patient with this rare tumor and outline its clinical and radiological characteristics. A 28-year-old woman with diabetes, hypertension, and panic disorder presented with discomfort caused by a rubbery mass on the left buttock that had persisted for 10 years. Computed tomography revealed a multilobulated hypodense mass with small internal enhancing foci, posing challenges for the exact diagnosis of the lesion. The entire lesion was excised with clear resection margins. An 8.0 × 6.0 cm, well-circumscribed tumor with a lobular growth pattern was observed in the deep subcutaneous tissue. Light microscopy revealed epithelioid, ovoid, and spindle-shaped cells with a reticular cordlike pattern. Immunohistochemistry results were positive for S100, CD34, and vimentin. Break-apart fluorescence in situ hybridization assay results for ALK were also positive. These findings were consistent with those of SAMS. This case suggests that SAMS should be considered when identifying large nonspecific masses during clinical and imaging evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICCA) is the second most common type of primary liver malignancy after hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). ICCA is characterized by molecular heterogeneity and a diverse histopathological spectrum. Generally, the prognosis for patients diagnosed with ICCA is poor. Recent advances have improved our understanding of the molecular genetics and histological subtypes of ICCA. An accurate diagnosis of ICCA is important for patient management and prognosis. This review aims to provides an updated overview of the pathology of ICCA, with a particular focus on its molecular genetics, histological subtypes, and the diagnostic approaches necessary to distinguish it from other diseases. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICCA) is a malignant epithelial neoplasm characterized by biliary differentiation within the liver. ICCA is molecularly heterogeneous and exhibits a broad spectrum of histopathological features. It is a highly aggressive carcinoma with high mortality and poor survival rates. ICCAs are classified into two main subtypes: the small-duct type and large-duct types. These two tumor types have different cell origins and clinicopathological features. ICCAs are characterized by numerous molecular alterations, including mutations in KRAS, TP53, IDH1/2, ARID1A, BAP1, BRAF, SAMD4, and EGFR, and FGFR2 fusion. Two main molecular subtypes—inflammation and proliferation—have been proposed. Recent advances in high-throughput assays using next-generation sequencing have improved our understanding of ICCA pathogenesis and molecular genetics. The diagnosis of ICCA poses a significant challenge for pathologists because of its varied morphologies and phenotypes. Accurate diagnosis of ICCA is essential for effective patient management and prognostic determination. This article provides an updated overview of ICCA pathology, focusing particularly on molecular features, histological subtypes, and diagnostic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous neoplasms entirely or predominantly composed of spindle cells constitute a heterogeneous group of mesenchymal and nonmesenchymal tumors. Cutaneous spindle cell neoplasms are often diagnostically challenging because of considerable morphologic [...], * Context.--Spindle cell neoplasms arising in the skin comprise a heterogeneous group of tumors with divergent lineages. Cutaneous spindle cell neoplasms are relatively common and present surgical pathologists with diagnostic challenges. Recognition of their histopathologies is important for correct diagnosis and management. The current review presents a pattern-based diagnostic approach to common cutaneous spindle cell neoplasms that often cause diagnostic difficulties. Objective.--To provide a useful guide for diagnosis of cutaneous spindle cell neoplasms. Data Sources.--PubMed (US National Library of Medicine) reports and the authors' personal experiences are reviewed. Conclusions.--The authors briefly summarize the histologic features and differential diagnoses of common cutaneous spindle cell neoplasms. doi: 10.5858/arpa.2018-0112-RA

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer characterized by hepatocellular differentiation. HCC is molecularly heterogeneous with a wide spectrum of histopathology. The prognosis of patients with HCC is generally poor, especially in those with advanced stages. HCC remains a diagnostic challenge for pathologists because of its morphological and phenotypic diversity. However, recent advances have enhanced our understanding of the molecular genetics and histological subtypes of HCC. Accurate diagnosis of HCC is important for patient management and prognosis. This review provides an update on HCC pathology, focusing on molecular genetics, histological subtypes, and diagnostic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) is a rare primary liver carcinoma displaying both hepatocytic and cholangiocytic differentiation within the same tumor. Relative to classic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cHCC-CCA has more aggressive behavior and a poorer prognosis. Though recent advances have improved our understanding of the biology underlying cHCC-CCAs, they remain diagnostically challenging for pathologists because of their morphologic and phenotypic diversity. Accurate diagnosis of cHCC-CCA is important for patient management and prognostication. Herein, we review recent updates on cHCC-CCA, focusing on tumor classification, pathology, and diagnostic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on trends in the prevalence of suspected non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adolescents are scarce, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the prevalence of suspected NAFLD changed between 2001–2005 and 2015–2017. Data were extracted from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001–2005 to 2015–2017, n = 4448). Suspected NAFLD was defined by an elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level of >26 IU/L in boys and >22 IU/L in girls. In addition, the analysis was repeated using the Korean cut-off levels for ALT of 33 IU/L for boys and 25 IU/L for girls. The prevalence of suspected NAFLD increased, with a relative increase of 44% from 7.8% (95% CI 6.6–9.2%) in 2001–2005 to 11.2% (95% CI 9.7–12.9%) in 2015–2017 (p = 0.001). This increase was evident in both boys (10.6 vs 14.7%, p = 0.01) and girls (4.6 vs 7.4%, p = 0.02). Increases were also observed in obesity (7.3 vs 10.6%), central obesity (10.0 vs 12.8%) and ALT level (14.9 vs 16.7 IU/L). The prevalence of suspected NAFLD was approximately 40–45% in obese/central obese adolescents in 2015–2017. Using the Korean cut-off levels, the prevalence of suspected NAFLD has increased, with a relative increase of 55%, from 4.6% (95% CI 3.7–5.7%) in 2001–2005 to 7.2% (95% CI 6.1–8.5%) in 2015–2017 (p = 0.01). The prevalence of suspected NAFLD continues to increase in Korean adolescents. ALT, alanine aminotransferase; BMI, body mass index; KNHANES, Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]