Myxoid Neurothekeoma in Indian Oil Sardine (Sardinella longiceps) From the Southeast Coast of India.

Abstract

Myxoid neurothekeoma, also known as nerve sheath myxoma, is a rare benign peripheral nerve sheath tumour primarily reported in mammals, with scarce documentation in teleost fishes. This study reports a confirmed case of myxoid neurothekeoma in the Indian oil sardine (Sardinella longiceps ), a commercially significant marine species along India's southeast coast. An adult female specimen exhibiting a fleshy, dome-shaped, slightly pale brownish mass on the dorsal head was examined grossly and subjected to histopathological analysis using haematoxylin and eosin, Alcian blue and Masson's trichrome staining. Immunohistochemical staining for S100 protein confirmed the neural origin of the tumour cells. Microscopic analysis revealed a well-circumscribed lobular neoplasm composed of spindle to stellate cells within a myxoid stroma rich in acid mucopolysaccharides. Tumour lobules were separated by thin collagenous septa, and widespread S100 positivity supported Schwann cell lineage. The lack of mitotic activity, cytological atypia or invasive features supported a diagnosis of benign myxoid neurothekeoma. This case expands the current understanding of peripheral nerve sheath tumours in marine teleosts and contributes to the broader characterisation of rare neoplasms in aquatic species.