Human Osteogenic Sarcoma: Fine Structure of the Chondroblastic Type

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Abstract
The fine structure of representative regions of 4 chondroblastic osteogenic sarcomas was studied. These regions contained 4 morphologically distinguishable subtypes of chondroblast-like cells. Multinucleated giant cells, fibroblast-like cells, and macrophage-like cells were present, along with small populations of unclassifiable cells forming at least 2 subgroups of cells likely to be of a neoplastic nature. With only 1 exception, all types of chondroblast-like cells were separated by wide zones of extracellular matrix. The large multinucleated cells showed a fine structure that differed from that seen in multinucleated giant cells of other tissues. The evidence suggested that the multinucleated cells in the chondroblastic osteogenic sarcomas were active in phagocytic functions. It is not clear whether or not they are neoplastic in nature. Osteoblast-like cells were not encountered in the chondroid areas of the osteogenic sarcomas studied. The observed fine structural polymorphism of the chondroblast-like cell may reflect differences in maturation and differentiation among these cells. The most well-differentiated cells (type 1) appear to be able to exert secretory functions.