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Allergy & Immunology14 papers

Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma (HCCC) is a rare neoplasm originating from minor salivary glands, typically affecting the tongue base. It presents as a clear cell lesion that requires differentiation from other salivary gland tumors and metastatic clear cell renal carcinoma 2.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical Presentation: Often clinically misdiagnosed, as seen in a case diagnosed initially as fibroma 2.
  • Histopathological Examination: Characterized by infiltrating lesions predominantly composed of clear cells 2.
  • Differential Diagnosis: Includes other salivary gland lesions with clear cell components and metastatic clear cell renal carcinoma 2.
  • Immunohistochemistry: Essential for distinguishing HCCC from other clear cell lesions 2.
  • Imaging: Used to rule out primary sites like the kidney; no specific imaging criteria mentioned 2.
  • Management

  • Primary Treatment: Wide excision is recommended as adequate treatment 2.
  • Adjuvant Therapy: Not indicated based on the case presented; no further therapy given beyond surgery 2.
  • Follow-Up: Regular follow-up is advised to monitor for recurrence 2.
  • Special Populations

  • Elderly: Case reported in a 73-year-old patient with successful surgical management and no recurrence at one-year follow-up 2.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Perform wide excision for definitive treatment of hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma (Evidence: Moderate 2).
  • Utilize immunohistochemistry to differentiate HCCC from other clear cell lesions (Evidence: Moderate 2).
  • Implement regular follow-up post-surgery to monitor for recurrence, especially in elderly patients (Evidence: Expert opinion 2).
  • References

    1 Clark D. Quality improvement in basic histotechnology: the lean approach. Virchows Archiv : an international journal of pathology 2016. link 2 Masilamani S, Rao S, Chirakkal P, Kumar AR. Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma of the base of tongue: a distinct and rare entity. Indian journal of pathology & microbiology 2011. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Quality improvement in basic histotechnology: the lean approach.Clark D Virchows Archiv : an international journal of pathology (2016)
    2. [2]
      Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma of the base of tongue: a distinct and rare entity.Masilamani S, Rao S, Chirakkal P, Kumar AR Indian journal of pathology & microbiology (2011)

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