Xanthomas of the stomach: A report of two cases

Abstract

Gastrointestinal tract xanthomas are non tumor, well demarcated mucosal lesions that consist of foamy histiocytes, most commonly diagnosed in the stomach. Th e histologic appearance of xanthomas can resemble certain malignant lesions. After retrospective data base search, we have encountered only 2 cases of xanthomas, both in the antral part of the stomach. Lamina propria of the mucosa contained rare, chronic inammatory inltrate and clusters of oval and polygonal cells with abundant, foamy cytoplasm. Th e cytoplasm of described cells did not show the presence of mucin (Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Alcian blue staining). Th e cells showed distinct cytoplasmic CD68 positivity and CKMNF116 negativity, which conrmed the diagnosis of xanthoma. Given the frequent association of xanthomas and known precancerous lesions of gastric mucosa, and occasional coexistence of malignant change, we need to pay attention to its diagnosis, and it is advisable to use both histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. © 2012 Association of Basic Medical Sciences of FBIH. All rights reserved.