Journal

Indian Journal of Pathology and Microbiology

Papers (75)

Clinicopathological observation of mature teratoma with malignant transformation, a single center retrospective study

To investigate the clinicopathological features of mature teratoma with malignant transformation. Retrospectively analysis of 1179 cases mature teratoma was done from August 1999 to December 2019 in Institution. 14 cases of mature teratoma with malignant transformation were discussed mainly for the pathological characteristics and clinical manifestations. 4 of them were less than 40 years old. All but one occurred in the ovaries, and the one was in the left anterior mediastinum which was the only male. The clinical manifestations of the patients were atypical. Imaging showed cystic solid mass. Surgery was performed. Polypoid mass, solid nodule and thickened area of cyst wall can be seen on the section of tumor. Pathological results show that there were 5 cases of squamous cell carcinoma, 3 cases of carcinoid, 2 cases of serous carcinoma and 2 cases of thyroid papillary carcinoma, 1 case of carcinosarcoma and 1 case of strumal carcinoid. Two cases of squamous cell carcinoma had pelvic and abdominal metastasis. Immunohistochemistry of case 14 showed that AE1/AE3, CD56, SYN, NSE, PSAP, CDX2 were positive in carcinoid. EMA and CK20 were positive in mucinous glands around carcinoid. Calretinin and inhibin were positive in the mesenchyme adjacent to intestinal mucinous gland. Teratoma with malignant transformation is a rare malignancy, although teratoma is a common germ cell tumor. And it's more common in patients over 40 years, especially those patients who were in menopause. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type and prone to metastasis. Strumal carcinoid was well-defined, but as an endocrine tumor, it may cause a series of digestive, respiratory or hormonal disorders. Therefore, the mature teratomas should be removed in time after detection.

Expression of alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase in vaginal gastric-type adenocarcinoma and uterine clear cell carcinoma

Alpha-methylacyl-coenzyme A racemase (AMACR, P504S) is a commonly used marker in immunohistochemical diagnosis of prostate cancer. Recent studies identified P504S markers of the clear cell histotype in the ovary and/or endometrium. Gastric-type adenocarcinoma (GAS) is difficult to diagnose histologically, particularly when there is crossover with clear cell carcinoma (CCC). However, the significance of P504S for differentially diagnosing GAS and CCC is unclear. To evaluate P504S as a potential diagnostic marker of GAS and CCC. We analyzed P504S expression in 48 cervical carcinomas (32 GAS and 16 CCC), as well as the expression of other markers including hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 beta (HNF-1β) and NapsinA. The expression differences of HNF-1β, NapsinA, and P504S in GAS and CCC were detected by immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemical histoscores based on the intensity and extent of staining were calculated. The positive rates of HNF-1β in GAS and CCC were 90.32% and 75%, respectively. (χ2 = 2.251, P = 0.663). The positive rates of NapsinA in GAS and CCC were 19.36% and 81.25%, respectively. (χ2 = 47.332, P < 0.01). The positive rates of P504S in GAS and CCC were 16.13% and 81.25%, respectively. (χ2 = 41.420, P < 0.01). HNF-1β was frequently expressed in GAS and CCC, while NapsinA and P504S were frequently expressed in CCC, and reduced or lost in GAS. NapsinA and P504S can be used to differentiate between GAS and CCC.

Vulvar dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans masquerading as angiomyxoma: A case report and review of 85 cases

ABSTRACT Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare cutaneous mesenchymal locally aggressive sarcoma with high recurrence. We report a case of recurrent vulvar DFSP, and a literature review was performed with a PubMed search using the terms “Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans” and “vulva.” Total 85 cases with vulvar DFSP were analyzed for their clinicopathological features among fibrosarcomatous DFSP (FS-DFSP) and non-FS-DFSP. Listless asymptomatic growth had resulted in delay in presentation of 2.3 years. Tumor size was significantly more in FS-DFSP ( P 0.005). Higher mitotic rate is found to have strong association with FS-DFSP ( P 0.0001). FS-DFSP has more recurrences compared with non-FS-DFSP ( P 0.0001). DFSP with FS transformation was more aggressive as there was significant difference in metastasis ( P 0.073, OR 0.18) and mortality ( P 0.210, OR 0.19). To investigate the risk of outcome, 59 cases were included following the exclusion of &lt;6 months follow-up. Age (&gt;50 years) was found to be a risk for metastasis and death from the disease. Tumor size (&gt;5 cm) and mitosis (≥5/10-HPF among non-FS-DFSP) were found to be the risk for the LR. Different histological diagnosis was made initially in 32%, and local excision was performed without margins in 65% of vulvar DFSP because of initial incorrect diagnosis. Therefore, pre-treatment biopsy or re-biopsy should be performed with immunohistochemistry for definitive diagnosis to exclude histologic mimics. The optimal treatment is wide local excision with 3-cm margin or with margin assessment for both primary and recurrent DFSP. As most recurrences occur within the first three years of wide excision in DFSP, regular follow-up visits are advocated.

To study the expression of estrogen, progesterone receptor and p53 immunohistochemistry markers in subtyping endometrial carcinoma

ABSTRACT Background: Endometrial cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women worldwide. Aim and Objectives: To study the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and p53 immunohistochemistry (IHC) markers in subtyping endometrial carcinoma. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 cases of carcinoma endometrium submitted during January 2016 to October 2018 were included in our study. The ER, PR and p53 expressions were scored as per the adopted scoring system. Agreement between ER, PR and p53 IHC expression and the consensus HE diagnosis, FIGO grading and tumour staging were assessed using Chi square tests. Results: There was a statistical association between ER, PR and p53 status and tumour histologic type with a P value &lt; 0.01. There was no statistical significance observed between ER and PR expressions and different FIGO grades. Statistical significance (P = 0.036) between p53 and different FIGO grades seen. No statistical significance was observed between ER, PR and p53 expressions and different tumour stages and tumour invasiveness. There was a statistical association between ER and PR status and lymph node metastasis. p53 did not show a statistical significance. Conclusion: Combination of ER, PR and p53 IHC markers can be used to distinguish type 1 and type 2 endometrial cancers. PR expression is more specific than ER in endometrioid carcinomas. p53 expression is more specific in serous carcinoma, however, p53 IHC alone cannot be used to distinguish different grades of endometrioid carcinomas as there is variability of staining in endometrioid carcinomas.

Assessment of endometrial carcinoma on biopsy as a predictor of final surgical pathology: Are we doing it right? A completed audit cycle and recommendations

ABSTRACT Background: Typing and grading of endometrial carcinomas (ECs) on small biopsy specimens is crucial to determine the need for full surgical staging. Histological subtype and grade are key factors available for risk stratification before surgery. However, this can be diagnostically challenging on small biopsy specimens, especially when morphologic features are subtle or overlapping. Aims: The aims of this audit were to assess concordance of endometrial carcinomas on biopsy specimens with hysterectomy specimens and to determine if the immunohistochemistry (IHC) panel being used in our practice was adequately subtyping ECs. Settings and Design: The audit was approved by the Clinical Effectiveness Team of the Royal College of Pathologists (UK) as meeting all the criteria and standards set out by the College. Materials and Methods: Biopsies from 67 cases of EC were compared for histological subtype and grade of endometrioid carcinoma with resection specimens. A re-audit was carried out on 59 cases after implementation of changes recommended by the initial audit. Results: Two of 35 (6%) tumours defined as G1 on biopsy were upgraded (to G2) on final pathology, as was one of 7 (14%) G2 tumours (to G3). One of these cases had solid areas just amounting to more than 6% on resection. In the second case, a comment was made that assessment had been difficult as the specimen was suboptimally fixed, but nuclei appeared atypical. Of seven G2 biopsies, one case was upgraded to grade 3 on final pathology based on proportion of solid areas. Our data show lower rates of discordance as compared to previous studies and on re-audit, the concordance between endometrioid and nonendometrioid serous carcinoma improved with the addition of immunohistochemistry (IHC) for Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) to biopsies. Conclusions: PTEN IHC can complement other stains and aid in the distinction of grade 3 endometrioid carcinoma from serous carcinoma on endometrial biopsies.

Diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive importance of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and CA125 in endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma

ABSTRACT Background: Inflammation has an important role in the progression of endometrial carcinoma. Aims: The aim of this study is to find the association between neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and CA125 in endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma. The study also focuses on the association of CA125, NLR, and PLR with histopathological parameters in endometrial carcinoma that are of prognostic importance. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective cross-sectional study on 57 biopsy-proven cases of endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma conducted over a period of two years. The NLR, PLR, and CA125 were calculated and recorded in all the 57 cases. Results: The 57 cases were divided into three groups: endometrial hyperplasia without atypia group which included 36 cases, endometrial atypical hyperplasia group which included 10 cases, and the endometrial carcinoma group which included 11 cases. Comparison was done between the groups, and parity, NLR, PLR, and CA125 were found to be significant, but patient age and postmenopausal status were not significant. NLR, PLR, and CA125 were found to increase with higher grade, pT-stage, and nodal stage for the endometrial carcinoma cases. Conclusion: NLR, PLR, and CA125 were marginally increased or normal in the case of endometrial hyperplasia without atypia and endometrial atypical hyperplasia, while they were significantly increased in endometrial carcinoma, and also correlated with an increase in grade, pT-stage, and nodal stage. Hence, these can be considered for additional screening as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive markers in case of abnormal uterine bleeding with endometrial pathology.

Angioleiomyoma of the uterus presenting as an endometrial polyp: An uncommon occurrence of two cases with a literature review

ABSTRACT Angioleiomyoma is a benign neoplasm that arises from vascular smooth muscle cells. Angioleiomyoma of the endometrium is very uncommon. The differential diagnoses of this entity are myopericytoma, angiomyofibroblastoma, endometrial stromal tumor, and perivascular epithelioid cell tumor. 31-year-old and 45-year-old patients presented with heavy menstrual bleeding, lower abdomen pain, and dysmenorrhea. Perspeculum and radiological investigations showed an endometrial polyp. They underwent diagnostic hysteroscopy, polypectomy, and endometrial biopsy. Polypectomy specimens of both cases revealed polypoidal lesions lined by the endometrium. The core of the polyp was arranged in long intersecting bundles of spindle cells and interconnecting anastomotic patterns with many intervening thick-walled blood vessels. These spindle cells have oval and cigar-shaped nuclei, fine chromatin, and a moderate amount of eosinophilic cytoplasm, resembling smooth muscle cells. These smooth muscle cells of the vessel wall were merging with the adjacent walls of the blood vessel. There was no nuclear atypia or necrosis. The mitotic rate was 0–1/10 HPF. Focal areas of hyalinization and adipocytic components were noted in one case. The endometrial glands did not show intraepithelial or invasive neoplasia. On immunohistochemistry (IHC), these spindle cells were diffuse and strongly immunopositive for SMA and Desmin. CD34 highlighted the endothelial lining of the prominent thick-walled blood vessels. By correlating with histomorphology and IHC positivity, a diagnosis of angioleiomyomatous polyp of endometrium was rendered. We report two uncommon cases of angioleiomyoma of the endometrium and discuss the differential diagnosis and literature review.

High-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma displaying immunohistochemical expression of BCOR—A report of two cases of a novel tumor entity

ABSTRACT Several defining molecular alterations have recently been identified underlying high-grade endometrial stromal sarcomas, such as YWHAE: NUTM2A/B fusions, ZC3H7B: BCOR fusions, and BCOR internal tandem duplication (ITD). BCOR is a useful immunohistochemical marker for identifying these tumors. A 37-year-old lady was presented with a 10-cm-sized tumor in the pouch of Douglas, involving the vaginal vault, bilateral adnexa, and peritoneum. A 53-year-old lady with a prior hysterectomy was presented with a 12-cm-sized tumor in the vault with abdominal deposits. Histopathological examination of both tumors revealed atypical cells comprising oval to spindle-shaped nuclei, a variable amount of myxoid stroma, and mitotic figures exceeding 10/10 high power fields. Immunohistochemically, the former tumor was diffusely positive for CD10, and the second tumor displayed patchy staining. Both tumors were positive for BCOR. Estrogen receptor (ER) showed variable staining in both tumors. By fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), both tumors lacked YWHAE gene rearrangement. Both tumors had an aggressive clinical course, including extensive involvement This constitutes the first report of BCOR-positive high-grade sarcomas involving the female genital tract from our subcontinent. BCOR is a useful immunostain for identifying these relatively aggressive tumors. The differential diagnoses and the prognosis of these ultra-rare tumors are discussed herewith.

Endometrial blood vessel morphometry in patients presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding

Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is one of the most common problems encountered in gynecological practice. Various benign and malignant disorders of the endometrial tissue show vascular changes such as congestion, dilatation, and vessel wall irregularities. Aim: To evaluate the vascular morphometry of the endometrial tissue in AUB. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of the endometrial tissue in patients presented with AUB was undertaken for vascular morphometric analysis. Histopathological processing of the endometrial tissue samples was done as per the standard format, and the slides were evaluated for vascular morphometry. Results: Out of 150 cases of endometrial tissue in patients presented with AUB, 80 cases were reported as proliferative phase, 41 as secretory phase, 15 as disordered proliferative endometrium, 6 as atrophic phase endometrium, and 4 each of endometrial hyperplasia without atypia and endometrial carcinoma. An average number of endometrial blood vessels and large-sized blood vessels were more in endometrial carcinoma and endometrial hyperplasia without atypia as compared to proliferative phase, secretory phase, atrophic endometrium, and disordered proliferative endometrium. Vessel shape irregularities and vascular congestion were observed in all the cases of atrophic endometrium, endometrial carcinoma, and endometrial hyperplasia without atypia. Endometrial carcinoma showed severe dilatation of the endometrial blood vessels. Conclusion: Vascular morphometry changes were noted in endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial carcinoma, disordered proliferative endometrium, and atrophic phase endometrium. These findings suggest that studies or trials related to anti-angiogenic therapy may help to plan anti-angiogenic therapy in patients with AUB.

Tumor budding is a valuable prognostic parameter in endometrial carcinomas

Background: Tumor budding (TB) is a morphological finding believed to play an important role in determining the prognosis in many cancers. Aim: Our aim is to evaluate the prognostic importance of TB in endometrial carcinomas. Settings and Design: Two-hundred-eleven endometrial cancers were obtained from 2008 to 2015 that were comprised of those having undergone surgical staging with a hysterectomy and at least 5 years followed up. Material and Methods: All hematoxylin and eosin stained slides were reevaluated for the status of TB. Statistical Analysis: Nonparametric tests, the Kaplan–Meier method, the Log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazard regression were used. Results and Conclusion: TB was found to correlated with larger diameter (P = 0.000), nonendometrioid (P = 0.038), mixed cell types (P = 0.005), higher grade (P = 0.000), deeper invasion of the myometrium (P = 0.000), cervical stromal invasion (P = 0.000), advanced pT (P = 0.011), lymph node involvement (P = 0.000), lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.000), and advanced stage (P = 0.000). The presence of TB worsens the 5-year overall survival (OS) (P = 0.0001). In cases such as grade 1, pT1, or stage 1 endometrial carcinomas, the presence of TB decreases the OS rate (P = 0.00017, P = 0.0016, P &lt; 0.0001). Our result suggested that the presence of TB adversely affects the prognosis. It was concluded that TB could be a valuable prognostic parameter.

The extent of cyclin D1 expression in endometrial pathologies and relevance of cyclin D1 with the clinicopathological features of endometrioid endometrial carcinoma

Cyclin D1, a member of the cyclin protein family, is instrumental in the cell cycle due to its influence on the progression from G1 to the S phase. Its overexpression causes reduced doubling time and is also associated with clonogenic growth. The purpose of the present study was to assess cyclin D1 expression in patients with simple hyperplasia (SH), endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN) and endometrioid endometrial carcinoma, and to evaluate whether there was an association between cyclin D1 expression and the clinicopathological features of endometrioid endometrial carcinoma. Retrospective data were available for 193 patients (30 SH, 40 EIN, and 123 endometrioid endometrial carcinoma cases). To detect cyclin D1 expression, immunohistochemistry staining was performed with tissue microarrays. The percentage of cases with positive cyclin D1 staining were 30%, 60% and 78%, for SH, EIN and endometrioid endometrial carcinoma, respectively (P < 0.001). Carcinomas with higher nuclear grade, histological grade, and FIGO grade displayed higher mean cyclin D1 expression compared to lower grade carcinomas. In addition, patients with lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.006), myometrial invasion (P < 0.001) and lymph node invasion (P < 0.001) had higher mean cyclin D1 expression compared to those without invasion. There was a significant correlation between cyclin D1 expression and clinicopathological features of endometrioid endometrial carcinoma including tumor grade, FIGO grade, lymphovascular invasion, lymph node invasion and myometrial invasion (P < 0.05 for each). Cyclin D1 expression is significantly higher in patients with endometrioid endometrial carcinoma compared to that of the SH and EIN. The extent of cyclin D1 expression is strongly correlated with nuclear and histological grade, myometrial invasion, lymphovascular invasion and lymph node invasion in patients with endometrioid endometrial carcinoma. These findings contribute in several ways to our understanding of cyclin D1 expression and provide a basis for future research on this topic.

Can TROP2 be used as a prognostic marker in endometrioid endometrial carcinoma?

Endometrioid-type endometrial carcinoma is the most common malignancy of the female genital tract in developed countries. The prognosis greatly depends on the grade and stage of the disease. In some patients, the disease recurs in a short time after the surgical/medical therapy. Hence, it is important to predict the patients who will have worse prognosis at the beginning, to choose the appropriate treatment; resuming the search of new prognostic markers. Therefore, our study aimed to detect trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP2) as a new prognostic marker. The patients who underwent a hysterectomy and diagnosed with endometrioid-type endometrial carcinoma were evaluated retrospectively and TROP2 immunostain was performed to their tumoral slides. We evaluated TROP2 expressions in 102 patients immunohistochemically who underwent hysterectomy with the diagnosis of endometrioid-type endometrial carcinoma histopathologically and correlated them with the other generally accepted prognostic parameters. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Q-Q plot test were used to verify the normality of the distribution of continuous variables. The Chi-square/Fisher's exact tests were used for categorical variables. Analyses were performed with SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20. High overexpression of TROP2 was seen in larger, higher-grade, deeper-invasive tumors, tumors with vascular invasion, and pelvic-lymph-node metastasis. These results were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). Overexpression of TROP2 in endometrioid-type endometrial carcinoma seems to be a poor prognostic factor; it may be useful in determining the biologically more aggressive tumors before the treatment. This early determination is very important to choose the appropriate surgery, adjuvant-treatments, and follow-up.

Carcinosarcoma of the cervix: Clinicopathological features of 17 tumors diagnosed at a Tertiary Cancer Referral Centre, India

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives: Carcinosarcoma of the uterine cervix is a rare entity. There are fewer reported series of this tumor. This study aims to evaluate clinico-pathological features of 17 carcinosarcomas primarily involving the cervix over a 14-year duration. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted over the period of 14 years. Cases were critically evaluated and only tumors with the epicenter in the cervix were included. Results: Ten patients had cervical tumors; three had primary cervical masses, secondarily involving the lower uterine segment; 2 had cervicovaginal masses, and two patients had distinct tumors in the cervix and endometrium. Eight biopsies and 9 resections were evaluated. Patients with an age range of 44-68 years (median = 60), commonly presented with vaginal bleeding and whitish discharge and harbored a tumor with an average size ( n = 11) of 6.9 cm. The commonest gross appearance ( n = 9) was a polypoidal ulcerated tumor. Histopathologically, most common pattern included high-grade malignant glandular/epithelial and undifferentiated sarcomatous components. Two tumors morphologically revealed squamous differentiation; 4 exhibited chondromyxoid differentiation, while one each displayed rhabdomyoblastic, and osteosarcomatous differentiation. HPV-associated morphological features were seen in 13/17 tumors, in the carcinomatous components. Immunohistochemically, AE1/AE3 (12/12), EMA (7/7) and CK7 (3/3) highlighted epithelial components. Additionally, tumor cells expressed PAX8 (2/3), estrogen receptor (ER) (variable, 5/10), p53 (6/6, mutation-type), p16INK4a (diffuse, 4/5), SATB2 (1/1), GATA3 (1/1) and TTF1 (1/1) the latter 2 indicating mesonephric origin in one tumor. Desmin and myogenin positivity confirmed rhabdomyoblastic differentiation in one tumor. Therapeutically ( n = 14), 9 patients underwent surgery (TAH-BSO/radical hysterectomy, with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (8/9) and 2 with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Five (inoperable) underwent palliative chemoradiotherapy. During follow-up (7/17) (median = 8 months), one patient developed vault recurrence and two developed brain metastasis. Conclusions: All 7 patients in the study were alive with disease. Cervical carcinosarcoma is an uncommon tumor with a wide clinicopathological spectrum, invariably high-grade. Rare tumors exhibit a mesonephric type of differentiation. These tumors are associated with an aggressive clinical outcome.

Clinicopathological association of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in uterine cervical carcinomas: A cross-sectional observational study

ABSTRACT Background: Programmed death ligand ( PD-L1 ) binds to its receptor PD-1 on T-cells and inhibits the immune response of T-lymphocytes. Cancer cells evade immune surveillance by upregulating PD-L1 expression, leading to tumor progression. Anti- PD-L1 immunotherapy has emerged as a new treatment modality in various solid carcinomas. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved PD-1 / PD-L1 axis immunotherapy for immunohistochemically PD-L1 positive cervical cancer. In India, cervical cancer accounts for approximately 17% of all cancer deaths among women between 30 and 70 years. More than three-fourths of patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based, cross-sectional prospective study was conducted over five years. 119 histologically proven cases of cervical carcinoma meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Sections were stained with PD-L1 antibody clone SP263 as recommended on Ventana Benchmark XT. Results: Of 119 cases, PD-L1 expression was found in 42 cases (35%). Patients over 45 years (75.6%) had higher PD-L1 positivity compared to those under 45 years (24.4%). 31% of squamous cell carcinoma was PD-L1 positive compared to adenocarcinoma (29%). PD-L1 expression was more frequent in poorly differentiated carcinoma (37.5%). Conclusion: A significant proportion of cervical cancers expressed PD-L1 . Increased PD-L1 expression was seen with increasing age and poorly differentiated histological grade. Anti- PD-L1 immunotherapy can be an option in PD-L1 -positive cervical cancer. The findings of our study support the requirement for further investigation of anti- PD-L1 immunotherapy for the treatment of PD-L1 -positive cervical carcinomas.

An octad of fumarate hydratase-deficient uterine leiomyomas: Case series with review of literature from a single institution

ABSTRACT Background: Fumarate hydratase (FH)-deficient (FH-d) leiomyomas are included in the recent World Health Organization fascicle of the female genital tumors. These are known to be associated with hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC) syndrome. The tumors can be diagnosed based on certain histopathological features, along with loss of immunohistochemical expression of FH immunostain in most tumors. Currently, there is no documentation on these tumors from our subcontinent. Aims: We analyzed eight FH-d leiomyomas diagnosed at our institute. Results: The most common presentation was vaginal bleeding (menorrhagia). Pelvic ultrasonogram revealed multiple fibroids in most patients except in two, who harbored a single fibroid. The size of these fibroids ranged from 3 to 19 cm. Five patients underwent myomectomies, while three underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salphino-ophorectomy. The most consistently observed histopathological features were hemangiopericytomatous vascular patterns, cytoplasmic globules, increased cellularity, distinct eosinophilic nucleoli, and cytological atypia (8/8, 100% tumors), followed by multinucleate giant cells and perivascular edema, seen in 62% and 50% tumors, respectively. Immunohistochemically, all tumors were positive for desmin, smooth muscle actin, and h-caldesmon and showed loss of FH immunostain, along with low Ki-67/MIB1. None of those patients had any renal or cutaneous manifestations. Conclusions: This constitutes the first such study from the Indian subcontinent and reinforces that although uterine leiomyomas constitute an integral component of the diagnosis of HLRCC syndrome, these occur in the absence of renal or cutaneous manifestations. FH-d uterine leiomyomas are more likely sporadic and could be a false alarm to raise the possibility of HLRCC with their exclusive presence.

Clear cell adenocarcinoma of the cervix and its mimickers - A series of 19 cases from a tertiary care referral centre in India

ABSTRACT Clear cell adenocarcinoma (CCAC) of cervix is a rare subtype of endocervical adenocarcinoma that accounts for 4% of all cervical adenocarcinoma with many morphological mimickers. Retrospectively study cases of cervical clear cell adenocarcinoma of the cervix. Clinical profile and pathological features of CCAC of the cervix diagnosed between 2018-2022 were retrospectively analyzed.The database of the Department of Pathology of our institute was systematically searched for patients diagnosed with clear cell adenocarcinoma of the cervix during 2018-2022.A total of 19 patients were studied with the mean age of patients being 53.72 years (range 25 -84 yrs,standard deviation-25.9) and median tumor size being 5.6cm. Lymph node metastasis was identified in 33.3% and distant metastasis were seen in 20% of the cases. Staging could not be done in 4 cases.FIGO staging of the cases included IB1(2 cases), IB2(2 cases), IIB (3 cases),IIIA (1 case)IIIB(4 cases),and IV(3 cases). On histopathological evaluation, heterogeneous architectural pattern comprising of tubulocystic, solid, and papillary patterns were seen in 13 cases (13/19,68.4%). Pure tubulocystic (3/19,15.7%), pure papillary (2/19,10.5%), and pure solid patterns (1/19,5.3%) were also identified. Tumor cells with clear cytoplasm ranged from 5% to 95%. Nuclear atypia was moderate to marked in all the cases (19/19,100%). Mitotic activity varied from 1/10hpf to 20-22/10hpf. By immunohistochemistry, tumor was positive for Napsin A in all the cases,p16INK4a was negative in majority of cases (15/19,78.9%) and ER was negative in 14 cases (14/19,73.7%) .p53 showed wild type staining except for one case . Clear cell adenocarcinoma being a rare subtype of cervical adenocarcinoma, needs to be differentiated from other Human Papilloma Virus(HPV) independent adenocarcinomas (gastric and mesonephric types) and benign entities such as endocervical glandular Arias-Stella reaction. Judicious use of a panel of immunostains is often helpful.

Evaluation of cell blocks from effusion specimens in Gynecologic Oncopathology: An experience of 220 cases, diagnosed at a Tertiary Cancer Referral Center

One of the common indications of ascitic fluid examination in gynecological oncopathology is the detection and classification of malignant cells, especially in cases of clinically suspicious tubo-ovarian masses. The present study was undertaken to assess and validate the diagnostic utility of cell blocks (CBs) and compare its results with the corresponding conventional smears, prepared from effusion samples. CBs were prepared by thromboplastin technique in 220 cases. In 208 cases, diagnostic concordance between results obtained from smears and corresponding CBs was evaluated. Various antibody markers were tested, as per individual case. The average age of patients was 52.2 years. Positive immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for various markers was observed in 182 cases (82.7%) The most frequently positive antibody marker was PAX8 (101/134), followed by p53 (85/92) [mutation type (either diffusely positive or completely negative)], WT1 (tumor cells) (80/112), calretinin (2/87) (diffuse), BerEP4 (21/49), CA125 (21/24), CK7 (31/39) and CK20 and CDX2, together (5/16). Various other IHC markers utilized, including their positive expression, were TTF1 (1/10), p40 (3/3), p63 (2/4), ER (21/29), HBME1 (1/7), GATA3 (1/4), and MIC2 (1/1). Complete diagnostic concordance between CBs and smears was observed in 170/208 cases (81.7%). There were 20 major discordances, 10 minor and 8 cases with sampling errors. IHC was useful in classifying 158/182 (86.8%) cases, including serous or Müllerian adenocarcinoma (n = 123), mostly high-grade (121); metastatic squamous carcinoma (3); gastrointestinal-type adenocarcinoma (8); pulmonary adenocarcinoma (1); breast adenocarcinoma (1); Ewing sarcoma (1); and mesothelioma (2). CBs are complementary to smears in the detection of gynecological malignancies, mostly high-grade serous adenocarcinomas. These provide an opportunity for testing several IHC markers, for a precise diagnosis, including in various uncommon case scenarios, associated with significant therapeutic implications.

Expression of p53 in epithelial ovarian tumors

Ovarian cancers remain the most lethal of all gynecological malignancies despite major developments in their treatment. To study the rate of expression and staining patterns of p53 in various histological types and grades of epithelial ovarian tumors (EOT). Sixty EOTs received in a tertiary care center were studied for gross, microscopy, and p53 immunohistochemistry (IHC) expression patterns. Parameters such as age, laterality of tumor, ascites, capsule rupture, tumor size, stage at presentation, metastasis, tumor grade, and number of mitosis were correlated. Of the sixty cases studied, 23 (38.3%) were malignant. Serous carcinomas were the largest group with 17 cases (74%) followed by mucinous with 4 cases (17%) and 2 clear cell carcinomas (9%). All benign and borderline EOT were p53 negative. 65.2% of the malignancies were p53 positive and all of them were serous malignancies. 15 out of 16 high-grade serous carcinomas were p53 positive (94%), while one case was negative (6%). 10 cases (63%) showed intense diffuse positivity of more than 60% of the nucleus, while 5 cases (31%) showed aberrant null staining <5% staining of the nucleus. All mucinous, clear cell carcinomas, and the only low-grade serous carcinoma in the study were p53 negative. P53 staining had positive correlations with variables like capsule rupture, ascites, laterality, and CA 125. The study highlights the different rates of expression and staining patterns of p53 and the need for correct interpretation of p53 IHC for the diagnosis of various EOT.

A clinicopathological study of granulosa cell tumors of the ovary: Can morphology predict prognosis?

Granulosa cell tumors (GCT) are low-grade malignant sex cord-stromal tumors (SCST) with late metastasis/recurrences and long disease-free periods. We performed a clinicopathological evaluation of GCT to ascertain features having prognostic impact. All cases of GCT of ovary from January 2006 to December 2018 were assessed for architectural patterns, nuclear grooves, and Call-Exner bodies. Each feature was graded on frequency of occurrence: not present (0)-very frequent (3). Anisonucleosis, necrosis, and inflammation were noted. Cases were grouped on mitotic count; =11 mitoses/10 HPF and Ki-67 index; =11% Ki-67. GCT formed 60.1% of SCST. Sixty cases' ages were in the range of 15-78 years (median 45). Clinical details were available in 37. Commonest presentation was abnormal uterine bleeding. Serum CA125 was raised in 16.1% and Inhibin in 58.8%. Seventy percent were in stage I. Disease recurrence was associated with higher stage (P = 0.007). The most frequent pattern was diffuse sheets (47%). Call-Exner bodies were absent in 22.2%. Grooves with score 1, 2, and 3 were seen in 35.8%, 23.5%, and 13.6%, respectively. Anisonucleosis was present in 26.7%, necrosis in 11.1%, and lympho-plasmacytic infiltrate in 43%. Out of total, 93.3% had <10 mitosis/10 HPF and 43.2% had recurrence, most with high Ki-67 (P = 0.064). Our study outlines histomorphological spectrum of GCT and emphasizes its frequent occurrence in lower stages with late recurrences. The presence of grooves may indicate granulosa-cell origin. Call-Exner bodies are not a necessity. Histomorphological features are not prognostically important. However, prognostic value of Ki-67 cannot be excluded. Limitation of the study was a small number of cases with follow-up.

Moderately differentiated Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor of ovary with associated mucinous carcinoma and carcinoid—A case report and review of literature

Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumors (SLCT) are very rare neoplasms of the ovary (0.2%) and they belong to the group of sex cord-stromal tumors. Of these, 20% of the cases show heterologous elements. We report a case of a 22-year-old woman who presented with complaints of lower abdominal pain and secondary amenorrhea for 10 months. Physical examination revealed right lower abdominal tenderness and fullness. Imaging showed a right ovarian mass. She underwent right salpingo-oophorectomy with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy and omentectomy. Microscopic examination revealed a neoplasm with varied histomorphological patterns. The predominant pattern was an atypical proliferative mucinous tumor with foci of microinvasion. The other component was that of moderately differentiated Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor. Focal areas resembling carcinoid were also noted. Immunohistochemistry was performed and the Sertoli-Leydig Cells were positive for CD56, calretinin, inhibin, vimentin, and ER. The glandular component was positive for CK20, EMA, CEA, and CDX2. Synaptophysin and chromogranin were positive within nests resembling carcinoid. With the given histomorphological features and immunohistochemistry findings, a diagnosis of moderately differentiated Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor of the ovary with associated mucinous carcinoma and carcinoid was rendered. The presence of heterologous elements in SLCTs has been reported to be associated with poor prognosis.

Primary leiomyosarcoma of ovary

Primary leiomyosarcoma (PLMS) of the ovary is extremely rare tumors comprising 1% of ovarian tumors. About 3% of all ovarian malignancies are primary ovarian sarcomas. Only 72 cases have been reported till date. A 57-year-old postmenopausal female presented with abdominal pain for the last 6 months. Ultrasonography and MRI revealed a heterogeneously enhancing solid lobulated mass in the left adnexa abutting the fundus of the uterus and bowel loops. The endometrial cavity was normal. Ovarian markers CA 125, CEA, CA 19.9, and all hematological parameters were within normal limits. LDH was near normal (284 IU/ml). The specimen was sent for frozen section and a diagnosis of malignant spindle cell lesion of ovary was rendered. Histopathology of the ovarian mass revealed intersecting fascicles of tumor cells consisting of ovoid to spindle-shaped cells having a moderate amount of cytoplasm. Bizarre and atypical cells were seen singly dispersed and in small aggregates along with the brisk mitotic activity. Focal areas of necrosis and hemorrhage were also noted. Immunohistochemistry showed strong positivity for smooth muscle actin and Caldesmon while focal positivity for Desmin and Epithelial Membrane Antigen (EMA) was noted. The lesion was negative for Inhibin, Calretinin, and CD 117 and S100. The final diagnosis of primary ovarian Leiomyosarcoma was given based on histopathology and Immunohistochemistry. PLMS of the ovary are rare incidental findings in postmenopausal women. These are highly malignant tumors and carry a poor prognosis. Hence, early diagnosis and surgical treatment with cytoreduction improve patient survival.

Merits and pitfalls of normal saline rehydrated air-dried cervical smears over conventional wet.fixed PAP smears

Background: Cervical Papanicolaou (PAP) smear is the simplest, minimal invasive, and excellent screening method to reduce the female morbidity and mortality due to cervical carcinoma. Immediate alcohol fixation of the cervical smears is required to preserve nuclear details, delay in alcohol fixation leads to air drying artifacts. Rehydrating of the air-dried cervical pap smear with normal saline can help to overcome these artifacts and also have its own advantages. Aims: This study was design to evaluate the effects, merits and pitfalls of normal saline Rehydrated Air-Dried Cervical PAP Smears (RADPS) compared with the Conventional Papanicolaou Smear (C-PAPS). Settings and Design: Comparative study. Methods and Material: Prospectively paired cervical smears of 100 women, who presented to the outpatient department of gynecology of our institute, were prepared. Alcohol fixed smears were labelled as conventional Papanicolaou smear (C-PAPS) and air-dried smears labelled as rehydrated air-dried PAP smears (RADPS). Eight cytomorphological parameters were considered for comparison and analyzed. Statistical analysis used: Chisquare (χ2)/Fisher exact test. Results: Clear background with red blood cells (RBC) lysis was noted in 93% of RADPS and 54% of C-PAPS. Cytolysis was observed more in C-PAPS (18%) than in RADPS (08%). Air-drying artifacts observed in 30% of C-PAPS and 08% of RADPS. Cytoplasmic staining (92% of RADPS and 85% of C-PAPS) was superior in RADPS. Cell border, nuclear chromatin, and border were also better appreciated on RADPS as compared to C-PAPS. Statistically significant difference was observed with 3 parameters, i.e., air-drying artifacts, RBC background, and distinct cell borders. Conclusion: Rehydration of air-dried smears can be adopted in regular practice, as an alternative or coupled with conventional wet fixation method to overcome the commonly faced problems of air-drying artifacts, especially in rural screening programs.

Prevalence of precursor lesions (P53 signature, SCOUT, STIL, STIC) in fallopian tubes resected for non-neoplastic causes

High-grade pelvic serous carcinoma is a common cause of death in women worldwide and India. Recent evidence has clearly implicated the changes in the mucosa of the fimbrial end of the fallopian tube in its pathogenesis. 1) To study histopathology features of surgically resected specimens of fallopian tubes received with non-neoplastic lesions of the uterus and ovary for the presence of any precursor lesions [secretory cell outgrowth (SCOUT), serous tubal intraepithelial lesion (STIL), p53 signatures, and serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC)]. 2) To confirm the findings with immunohistochemistry. 3) To correlate the prevalence of precursor lesions with clinical parameters and benign lesions of the uterus and ovaries. Assessment of histopathological changes in 100 specimens of distal fallopian tubes was done using the sectioning and extensive examination of the fimbrial end (SEE-FIM) protocol. H and E stain followed by immunohistochemistry for Bcl-2, p53, and Ki-67. The statistical significance of the difference in the mean values of precursor areas was evaluated by an unpaired t-test. Among 100 specimens taken on H and E, precursor lesions were suspected in 49% of the cases. SCOUT, suspicious for STIC, suspicious for STIC with areas of SCOUT, and unequivocal for STIC with areas of SCOUT were seen in 8%, 4%, 33%, and 4% of the cases, respectively. However, on IHC, SCOUTS were confirmed in 45% of the cases, p53 signature in 2%, STIL in 9%, and STIC in 4% of the cases. Sectioning and extensive examination of the fimbrial end (SEE-FIM) should be routinely done as it provides the opportunity to detect the early malignant changes. It may help in evolving the strategies for early detection, management, and reducing mortality.

Poorly differentiated biphasic synovial sarcoma of the vulva, displaying SS18::SSX1 fusion and weak to absent (mosaic) INI1/SMARCB1 immunostaining: A rare case with literature review

ABSTRACT Synovial sarcoma (SS) is rarely documented in the female genital tract, especially confirmed by molecular testing for SYT::SSX translocation and TLE1 immunostaining. A 62-year-old lady presented with a progressively increasing lump and pain over her right groin, for 6-month duration. Radiologically, a well-defined, solid-cystic mass was seen involving the right labia with necrotic areas, sparing the underlying muscles and the overlying skin. She underwent a biopsy followed by a surgical excision. Histopathologic examination revealed a spindle cell sarcoma, including tumor cells exhibiting a prominent hemangiopericytomatous pattern. There were focal areas of epithelial differentiation (pseudoglandular) along with areas of round cell morphology and increased mitoses (poor differentiation) in the resected specimen. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were diffusely positive for TLE1, patchily positive for pan keratin (AE1/AE3) and EMA, the latter more in the areas of epithelial differentiation, while negative for CD34, SMA, desmin, S100P, and SOX10. INI1/SMARCB1 showed a characteristic weak to absent (mosaic) staining pattern. Furthermore, the tumor displayed SS18::SSX1 fusion by RT-PCR. This constitutes one of the few reported cases of vulvar SS, confirmed by molecular testing and the first documented vulvar SS showing a mosaic pattern of INI1/SMARCB1 immunostaining. A review of the literature and diagnostic implications are presented herewith.

Publisher

Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)

ISSN

0377-4929