Clear cell chondrosarcoma

This is a rare low-grade malignant cartilaginous tumour of bone, characterized by the presence of clear cells. There are immunohistochemical similarities to chondroblastoma.

Immunohistochemistry, compared with conventional chondrosarcoma and chondroblastoma:

 

clear cell chondrosarcoma

conventional chondrosarcoma, grade I

chondroblastoma

S-100

positive

positive

positive

type II collagen

positive

positive

positive

CD68

positive in osteoclasts only

negative

positive in osteoclasts only

MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase)

positive in osteoclasts only

negative

positive in osteoclasts only

parathyroid hormone-like protein

positive

negative

positive

platelet-derived growth factor

positive

negative

positive

platelet-derived growth factor receptor

positive

negative

positive

The PCNA-positive rate is higher in clear cell chondrosarcoma than in chondroblastoma.

Differential diagnosis

References

Masui, F., Ushigome, S., Fujii, K. Clear cell chondrosarcoma: a pathological and immunohistochemical study Histopathology 1999;34:447-452.

 

This page last revised 7.9.2001.