CLEAR-CELL TUMORS OF THE ALIMENTARY-TRACT AND ABDOMINAL-CAVITY

Clear cell neoplasms of the abdominal organs are represented by a vari ety of epithelial and mesenchymal neoplasms, of varying malignant pote ntial. Several varieties of clear cell carcinomas, including those wit h tubulopapillary, hepatoid, colloid, or neuroendocrine features, have been described, as well as several benign epithelial neoplasms. These epithelial tumors have been reported in the gastrointestinal hollow v iscera, as well as the liver, pancreas, and biliary tract. A second ma jor consideration is the mesenchymal-derived gastrointestinal stromal tumors, which also may feature clear cells, and comprise a spectrum of biological behavior. Miscellaneous lesions include clear cell variant s of melanoma and mesothelioma. This review includes histological deta ils of the various entities, as well as important histochemical, immun ohistological, and ultrastructural features. Pertinent differential di agnostic points are stressed, including distinction of the primary cle ar lesions from relevant metastatic neoplasms. Copyright (C) 1997 by W .B. Saunders Company.