Learning objectives
Summarize the molecular, metabolic, and histopathological features of oncocytic cell tumors (OCT).
Review the spectrum of organs where they can occur and their clinical behavior.
Illustrate the imaging appearance of these singular neoplasms.
Background
OCT correspond to a wide subset of lesions composed of cells that display an intense cytoplasmic eosin staining as a consequence of the accumulation of enlarged mitochondria in their cytoplasms. These cells were denominated as “oncocytes”, a term that is derived from the word “onkousthai” in Greek and which means “swollen”. [Fig 1]
The pathways involved in the proliferation of mitochondria are not yet known, but the process appears to be triggered by mutations in the nuclear and mitochondrial genes related to the complex 1...
Findings and procedure details
SALIVARY GLANDS
Nodular Oncocytic Hyperplasia (NOH), Oncocytoma, Oncocytic Cell Carcinoma (OCC)
[Fig 2]
These tumors are more common in the parotid and may be multifocal or bilateral. They occur more frequently in the 6th-8th decades of life. NOH and oncocytoma appear to be more frequent in females, but a review paper revealed a male to female ratio of 2:1 for OCC.
There are no identified risk factors, but a prior history of radiation exposure has been recognized in 20% of cases.
The most common clinical...
Conclusion
The diagnosis of an OCT is made based on the findings of the histopathological examination but it is important for the radiologists to be familiarized with the clinical, histopathological, and radiological characteristics of these lesions.
Personal information and conflict of interest
J. Granadas:
Nothing to disclose
J. S. S. Alexandre:
Nothing to disclose
S. P. Ferreira:
Nothing to disclose
A. Germano:
Nothing to disclose
References
[1] Máximo, V., Rios, E., & Sobrinho-Simões, M. (2014). Oncocytic lesions of the thyroid, kidney, salivary glands, adrenal cortex, and parathyroid glands. International journal of surgical pathology, 22(1), 33–36.
[2] Corvino, A., Caruso, M., Varelli, C., Di Gennaro, F., Pignata, S., Corvino, F., Vallone, G., & Catalano, O. (2020). Diagnostic imaging of parotid gland oncocytoma: a pictorial review with emphasis on ultrasound assessment. Journal of ultrasound, 10.1007/s40477-020-00511-5. Advance online publication.
[3] Thurley P., Robinson I., Cozens. (2007). N. Multifocal Nodular Oncocytic Hyperplasia (MNOH) of the...