Reticulum cell sarcoma
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Keywords and synonyms: histiocytic lymphoma, histiocytic lymphosarcoma
Overview
A malignant tumor of reticular tissue in the bone that is composed primarily of neoplastic histocytes.
Pathophysiology
The dominant cell type is thought to be derived from histiocytes or macrophages. More recent thinking indicates that this cancer may arise from lymphocytes or immunoblasts.
Differentiating Reticulum Cell Sarcoma From Other Diseases
Reticulum cell sarcoma should be distinguished from the following diseases:
Epidemiology and Demographics
- Presents in middle age
Diagnosis
Symptoms
- Localized bone pain and tenderness
Physical Examination
- Tenderness of bone
- Effusion of adjacent joint
Imaging Findings
- Osteolytic lesions with minimal periosteal reactions are present on plain films of the bone
Pathology
- Large, foam filled histiocytes with numerous mitoses and scant stroma are present
- Stains for reticulum are positive
- Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) stains are negative
Treatment
Early stage I tumors
- Radiation therapy alone
Advanced Tumors