CLEAR-CELL NEOPLASMS OF THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM AND THYMUS

Clear cell tumors of the endocrine system and thymus are rare lesions with which surgical pathologists have only infrequent contact, As a re sult, these neoplasms may be misinterpreted and incorrectly classified . This review considers the histological, immunohistochemical, and ult rastructural features of clear cell pituitary adenomas, parathyroid tu mors, pancreatic endocrine neoplasms, adrenocortical proliferations, a nd thymic malignancies. Emphasis is placed throughout on differential diagnosis with microscopically-similar lesions. Clear cell endocrine t umors and thymic lesions manifest a variety of potential lineages, inc luding examples with epithelial, neural, germ cell, and lymphoid diffe rentiation. Because of the wide differences in behavior and recommende d treatment in this group, accuracy in diagnosis is essential. Copyrig ht (C) 1997 by W.B. Saunders Company.