DAO 29:121-126 (1997)  -  doi:10.3354/dao029121

Morphology, cell composition and histochemistry of a gross mantle tumor of Modiolus difficilis are described. The well-differentiated tumor contained numerous cells atypically rich in neutral polysaccharides and bundles of fibrous tissue and muscles. Mitotic activity of the cells of the tumor base ranged from 0 to 0.8%. Architectural disorganization, the presence of collagen and necrotic cells, cellular and nuclear changes, the absence of a protective epithelium and hemocytic infiltration of the tumor base permitted the tumor to develop as a result of chronic irritation and inflammation of the anomalous developing mantle.

Tumor · Proliferation · Mitotic index · Mantle · Mussel