DEK::AFF2 Carcinoma of the Sinonasal Tract and Skull Base: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

DEK::AFF2 carcinoma is an emerging entity of the sinonasal tract and skull base, commonly exhibiting exophytic and endophytic papillary growth, complex anastomosing trabeculae, monotonous cytomorphology, acantholytic change, and tumor-infiltrating neutrophils. A subset displays overt infiltration and high-grade features akin to non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma. Glandular differentiation may also be rarely present. The tumor shows frequent local recurrence and occasional distant metastasis. An accurate diagnosis requires the recognition of these key histologic features, followed by molecular confirmation. Recently, AFF2 immunohistochemistry has been demonstrated to be a sensitive and specific ancillary marker. This comprehensive review summarizes the current understanding of DEK::AFF2 carcinoma.

Keywords: AFF2; Carcinoma; DEK; Review; Sinonasal; Skull base.