Distinctive Dermal Clear Cell Mesenchymal Tumor
David Cassarino, MD, PhD
Key Facts
Terminology
Rare, dermal-based clear cell tumor of unknown derivation
Clinical Issues
Cutaneous nodule
Most cases have been reported on lower extremities
Prognosis uncertain, given rarity of this tumor, but appear to be benign or low-grade tumors
Microscopic Pathology
Clear cell proliferation
Cytologically, cells are usually bland-appearing, with vesicular nuclei and abundant clear cytoplasm
Top Differential Diagnoses
Clear cell sarcoma
Clear cell squamous cell carcinoma and tricholemmal carcinoma
Clear cell fibrous papule
 Low-power examination shows a dermal-based clear cell tumor with a thin grenz zone  separating it from the overlying epidermis. (Courtesy A. Lazar, MD, PhD.) |
 Higher magnification shows the relatively bland cytologic features of the large clear cells with vesicular nuclei, focally enlarged nucleoli  , and abundant clear cytoplasm. (Courtesy A. Lazar, MD, PhD.) |
TERMINOLOGY
Abbreviations
Distinctive dermal clear cell mesenchymal tumor (DDCCMT)
Synonyms
Distinctive dermal clear cell mesenchymal neoplasm
Definitions
Rare, dermal-based clear cell tumor of unclear derivation
ETIOLOGY/PATHOGENESIS
Unknown
Very rare tumors of unknown etiology
CLINICAL ISSUES
