clear cell meningioma

Based on the search results, here is a description of clear cell meningioma:

Clear cell meningioma (CCM) is a rare and aggressive variant of meningioma, accounting for only 0.2-0.8% of all meningiomas. It was first described in 1990 and is characterized by the presence of clear glycogen-rich polygonal cells.

Key features of clear cell meningioma include:

• Aggressive behavior: CCM tends to grow rapidly and recur frequently, even after surgical removal.
• High recurrence rate: The recurrence rate for CCM is estimated to be between 20-60% within a few years of initial treatment.
• Younger age group: CCM typically affects children and young adults.
• Rare location: CCM can occur in various locations, including the cerebellopontine angle, spinal/intradural regions, and supratentorial locations.

Histologically, clear cell meningioma is characterized by a sheet-like or lobular pattern of polygonal cells with clear cytoplasm. The tumor cells are often arranged in a palisading or whorled pattern, which can be mistaken for other types of tumors.

Clear cell meningioma is classified as a World Health Organization (WHO) grade II tumor, indicating its intermediate aggressiveness compared to other types of meningiomas.

Understanding Clear Cell Meningioma Symptoms

Clear cell meningioma, a type of non-cancerous brain tumor, can manifest with various symptoms depending on its location and size in the brain or spine. While not everyone experiences symptoms, it's essential to be aware of the possible signs and symptoms to seek medical attention if necessary.

Possible Symptoms:

• Gradual onset: Signs and symptoms typically begin gradually and may be very subtle at first.
• Location-dependent symptoms: The location of the tumor in the brain or spine can affect the type of symptoms experienced. For example:
  • Headaches, seizures, or weakness on one side of the body (if located in the cerebral cortex)
  • Vision changes, double vision, or eye movement problems (if located near the optic nerve)
  • Weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg (if located in the brainstem or spinal cord)
• Other symptoms: Depending on where the tumor is situated, signs and symptoms may include:
  • Arachnoid cells abnormalities
  • Increased intracranial pressure (leading to headaches, nausea, or vomiting)

Important Considerations:

• Symptoms can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor.
• In many cases, the exact cause of an individual's meningioma is unclear.
• Early detection and treatment are crucial for effective management.

References:

• [11] Discusses in-depth information on clear cell meningioma, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, complications, treatment, prevention, and prognosis.
• [12] Highlights the importance of understanding meningioma symptoms, as they can affect various parts of the brain.
• [13] Provides a detailed explanation of meningioma symptoms, emphasizing their variability depending on tumor location and size.
• [14] Lists typical signs and symptoms of meningioma, including those related to clear cell meningioma.
• [15] Discusses meningioma diagnosis, which often involves imaging tests like MRI and CT scans.

Diagnostic Tests for Clear Cell Meningioma

Clear cell meningioma, a rare subtype of meningioma, can be challenging to diagnose. However, several diagnostic tests can help confirm the presence of this tumor.

• Imaging tests: Contrast-enhanced MRI and CT scans are commonly used to diagnose clear cell meningioma. These tests can help identify the location and size of the tumor, as well as its relationship with surrounding structures [8][9].
• Biopsy: A biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of clear cell meningioma. During a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed from the tumor and examined under a microscope [1].
• Molecular profiling: Molecular profiling can help identify specific genetic mutations associated with clear cell meningioma, such as SMARCE1 mutation [11].
• Physical examination and neurological examination: A thorough physical examination and neurological examination are essential to rule out other potential causes

Differential Diagnosis of Clear Cell Meningioma

Clear cell meningioma, a rare variant of meningioma, can be challenging to distinguish from other types of tumors due to its bland cytologic features. The differential diagnosis for clear cell meningioma includes:

• Schwannomas: These are nerve sheath tumors that can have similar histological features to clear cell meningioma.
• Solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma (SFT/HPC): This is a rare type of tumor that can be difficult to distinguish from clear cell meningioma, especially in its fibrous variant.
• Microcystic or clear cell variants of meningioma: These variants of meningioma can overlap morphologically with hemangioblastomas.
• Hemangioblastomas: These are rare, benign tumors that can have similar histological features to clear cell meningioma.

Key Features for Differential Diagnosis

To differentiate clear cell meningioma from these other types of tumors, the following key features should be considered:

• Immunohistochemical staining: Clear cell meningioma is typically positive for CD13 and negative for signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6), which can help rule out SFT/HPC.
• Histological features: Clear cell meningioma has a characteristic clear cell morphology, with bubbly cytoplasm and intranuclear inclusions. This can be distinguished from the more solid or fibrous appearance of schwannomas and SFT/HPC.

Recurrence Rate

It's worth noting that clear cell meningioma has a higher rate of recurrence than conventional meningioma, which is an important clinical consideration for diagnosis and treatment planning.

References:

• [4] by RA Prayson · 2010 · Cited by 36 — Clear cell meningiomas (CCM) can be difficult to distinguish from metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinomas by standard light microscopy.
• [14] Clear cell meningioma (CCM) is a rare variant of meningioma. Only 17 cases have been previously reported in children. Although it has bland cytologic features, it has a higher rate of recurrence than does conventional meningioma.
• [15] If necessary, the most common differential diagnoses such as solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma can be ruled out by staining for signal transducer and activator of transcription 6, which is strongly positive in the nucleus of solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma but confined to the cytoplasm in meningioma.