Clear-cell chondrosarcoma

Summary

Two cases of clear-cell chondrosarcoma located in the upper end of the right femur of men aged 30 and 40 years are reported. The roentgenologic appearances suggested a chondroblastoma. Both patients are alive, one and four years after surgical removal of the tumor.

Glucosaminoglycans were studied with cationic dyes at different pH, with and without pretreatment with testicular hyaluronidase, and with the Scott technique at the light-microscopic level. Ultrastructurally, the glucosaminoglycans were studied with the high iron diamine and dialyzed iron techniques and glycogen with the PATCH-method. Light-microscopically, the tumors were characterized by clear vacuolated cells with distinct cytoplasm boundaries and scattered multinucleated giant cells of osteoclast type. Histochemical studies at the light-microscopic level indicate the presence of chondroitin 4- and 6-sulphate but no keratosulphate. Ultrastructurally, the predominant clear-cells showed features characteristic for chondroblasts. The cytoplasm showed areas lacking organelles and containing a low-density, finely granular matrix. These areas are considered to correspond to the clear cytoplasmic vacuoles seen under the light microscope. Most of the organelles were seen in the perinuclear region. The irregular tumor cells formed delicate protruding cytoplasmic extensions, which delineated intercellular spaces appearing as vacuoles under the light microscope. The benign multinucleated giant cells had an ultrastructural appearance typical of osteoclasts. Histochemical analysis at the electron-microscopic level showed the presence of sulphated glucosaminoglycans in the intercellular matrix and in association with the cytoplasmic membrane. Glycogen and non-sulphated acid glucosaminoglycans were found within the cytoplasm of the clear-cells.