Embryonal Carcinoma
Section Editor: Dharam M. Ramnani, MD
Virginia Urology, Richmond, VA, USA
Image Description
Microscopically, embryonal carcinomas are composed of primitive, anaplastic cells which are usually arranged in one of three common architectural patterns : solid, tubular or glandular, and papillary. The image shows tubular/glandular pattern in which cuboidal to columnar cells form gland-like or tubule-like structures. The enclosed lumina are cleft-like or round.
In addition to the three mentioned above, there are numerous other less common architectural patterns in embryonal carcinoma which may create confusion with other germ cell tumors, sex cord-stromal tumors, and even metastatic tumors to the testis.
In addition to the three mentioned above, there are numerous other less common architectural patterns in embryonal carcinoma which may create confusion with other germ cell tumors, sex cord-stromal tumors, and even metastatic tumors to the testis.