Superficial cervico-vaginal myofibroblastoma: a report of five cases

Vulval superficial myofibroblastoma with lymphocytic and eosinophilic infiltrate

We present the case of a vulval superficial myofibroblastoma with a lymphocytic and eosinophilic rim in a woman in her late 20s. The tumour presented in pregnancy as a cystic lesion with pain and increasing size. While the histopathology of superficial myofibroblastomas has been well defined in the literature, to our knowledge, there has been no documentation of the presence of an inflammatory infiltrate of lymphocytes and eosinophils surrounding and within the tumour. This may potentially act as a diagnostic or prognostic reference.

A giant superficial myofibroblastoma involving the vagina and pelvis: A case report and review of the literature

Superficial myofibroblastoma is a rare benign mesenchymal tumor that presents a challenge in accurate preoperative diagnosis because of its overlapping radiological and histological features. A 27-year-old woman presented with a history of increasing abdominal girth over the prior year and pelvic mass for 1 month. Imaging confirmed the presence of a giant well-circumscribed cystic-solid tumor involving both the extraperitoneal pelvis and vagina. After exploration and excision, superficial vaginal myofibroblastoma was diagnosed pathologically. The patient underwent surgical excision and had no postoperative complications at the 1-month follow-up. Imaging features and clinical reasoning can aid in differentiating superficial myofibroblastoma from more aggressive entities or malignant tumors and guide suitable and appropriate surgical approaches.

Case report: Superficial cervicovaginal myofibroblastoma of the cervix with endometrial carcinoma

Introduction

A superficial cervical vaginal myofibroblastoma is a rare mesenchymal tumor, originating from the superficial stroma of the vagina and cervix. This study reports a patient, who was diagnosed with endometrioid carcinoma and a concomitant benign superficial cervicovaginal myofibroblastoma.

Case presentation

A 53-year-old female with endometrial carcinoma was admitted to the Department of Gynecology of our hospital. She had a history of breast cancer on May 23, 2010, and took toremifene citrate for 41 months. Radical resection of the endometrial carcinoma was performed at our hospital. Based on the pathological findings, she was postoperatively diagnosed with endometrial adenocarcinoma with superficial cervical vaginal myofibroblastoma. The patient continued receiving postoperative breast cancer treatment. She underwent follow-up for 23 months. No recurrence or metastasis of the endometrial cancer or superficial cervical vaginal myofibroblastoma was observed.

Conclusion

There were similarities between superficial cervical vaginal myofibroblastoma and other mesenchymal tumors of the female genital tract. Superficial cervical vaginal myofibroblastomas have a good prognosis, and the combination of tissue morphology and immunohistochemistry helped establish a definitive diagnosis.

Superficial vaginal myofibroblastoma with mushroom-like appearance: A case report with colposcopic findings and literature review

Superficial myofibroblastoma (SMF) of the lower female genital tract is a relatively rare benign mesenchymal tumor. The diagnosis is usually challenging as it shares several similar clinicopathological features with other tumors. Herein, we present a case of a 71-year-old Chinese female patient with postmenopausal vaginal bleeding. Colposcopy imaging revealed a well-circumscribed mass in the vagina with a wide pedicle, resembling a mushroom. The patient underwent surgery, and the tumor was histologically diagnosed as SMF. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of colposcopic imaging of a superficial vaginal myofibroblastoma. In this case study, we review the clinicopathological features of SMF of the lower female genital tract reported in the literature to improve the understanding of the disease.

Superficial myofibroblastoma of the lower female genital tract: A clinicopathological analysis of 15 cases

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinicopathological features and differential diagnoses of 15 cases of superficial myofibroblastoma, a rare mesenchymal tumor involving the lower female genital tract.

METHODS

The clinicopathological data and immunohistochemical findings were retrospectively analyzed in 15 cases of superficial myofibroblastoma. Meanwhile, a systematic literature review was conducted.

RESULTS

The age of patients ranged from 34 to 73 years (median, 49 years). Most patients presented with nodular or polypoid masses ranging in size from 0.4 cm to 6.5 cm. Twelve tumors were located in the vagina, two in the vulva, and one in the cervix. Microscopically, the tumor was located in the subepithelial tissue, with a clear boundary and without capsule on the surface. The tumor cells were spindle, oval, stellate or wavy, and arranged in various architectural patterns of reticular, fascicular, wavy and disorderly patterns. There were no obvious cellular atypia and mitotic figures. Thin collagen fibers and thin-walled vessels could be observed in all cases. Most cases were diffusely and strongly reactive to Vimentin (12/12), Desmin (14/15), ER (15/15) and PR (13/14). Variable immunoreactivity for CD34 (8/15), Caldesmon (2/8), SMA (4/14) and CD99 (4/5) were observed. The tumors showed a low Ki67 proliferative index (≤5 %). Follow-up information was available in 10 patients and there was no evidence of recurrence or metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Superficial myofibroblastoma is a rare benign tumor that originates from the hormone-sensitive, subepithelial mesenchymal tissue of the lower female genital tract, and should be differentiated from other mesenchymal tumors.

Practical Approach to the Diagnosis of the Vulvo-Vaginal Stromal Tumors: An Overview

Background: The category of the “stromal tumors of the lower female genital tract” encompasses a wide spectrum of lesions with variable heterogeneity, which can be nosologically classified on the basis of their morphologic and immunohistochemical profiles as deep (aggressive) angiomyxoma (DAM), cellular angiofibroma (CAF), angiomyofibroblastoma (AMFB) or myofibroblastoma (MFB). Despite the differential diagnosis between these entities being usually straightforward, their increasingly recognized unusual morphological variants, along with the overlapping morphological and immunohistochemical features among these tumours, may raise serious differential diagnostic problems. Methods and Results: The data presented in the present paper have been retrieved from the entire published literature on the PubMed website about DAM, CAF, AFMB and MFB from 1984 to 2021. The selected articles are mainly represented by small-series, and, more rarely, single-case reports with unusual clinicopathologic features. The present review focuses on the diagnostic clues of the stromal tumours of the lower female genital tract to achieve a correct classification. The main clinicopathologic features of each single entity, emphasizing their differential diagnostic clues, are discussed and summarized in tables. Representative illustrations, including the unusual morphological variants, of each single tumour are also provided. Conclusion: Awareness by pathologists of the wide morphological and immunohistochemical spectrum exhibited by these tumours is crucial to achieve correct diagnoses and to avoid confusion with reactive conditions or other benign or malignant entities.

A rare case of vulvar superficial myofibroblastoma associated with ambigous and unusual differential diagnosis

•

Superficial myofibroblastoma of the Labia Majora.

•

Differential diagnosis between vulvar superficial myofibroblastoma and cyst/hydrocele of Nuck duct.

•

Differential diagnosis between vulvar superficial myofibroblastoma and inguinal/crural hernia.

Mesenchymal lesions of the vulva

Mesenchymal lesions of the vulva include site-specific entities limited to the lower genital tract, as well as a range of non-site-specific tumors that are more common at extragenital sites. Site-specific lesions include fibroepithelial stromal polyp, cellular angiofibroma, angiomyofibroblastoma, and aggressive angiomyxoma. Non-site-specific tumors that may occur in the vulva include those of smooth muscle, skeletal muscle, vascular, neural, adipocytic, and uncertain differentiation. This review discusses both site-specific and non-site-specific vulvar mesenchymal lesions including non-neoplastic proliferations, benign neoplasms, locally aggressive neoplasms with a predilection for local recurrence, neoplasms of indeterminate biologic potential, and frankly malignant neoplasms with a high risk of distant metastasis and death. Accurate diagnosis is essential for proper management, and is facilitated by correlation with clinical findings and targeted application of immunohistochemical and molecular studies.

Potential Diagnostic Pitfalls in Evaluating Immunohistochemistry for Cervical Myofibroblastomas

Cervicovaginal myofibroblastoma (CVM) is a rare benign mesenchymal tumor of the lower female genital tract that shows chromosomal loss of 13q14 (RB1 gene located in this region). The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of immunohistochemistry (IHC) for desmin, CD34, and Rb in diagnosing CVM. All cervical polyps diagnosed from July 2016 to July 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Cases showing morphologic myofibroblastic differentiation were evaluated by IHC for desmin, CD34, and Rb. Desmin and CD34 staining was recorded as positive or negative. Rb nuclear staining was graded as follows: 0 (<10%), 1 (10%-25%), 2 (>25%-50%), 3 (>50%-75%), or 4 (>75%). Intact nuclear expression of Rb in endothelial cells served as an internal positive control. IHC was performed on 76 cases with 14 excluded from the final cohort due to poor Rb internal control. A total of 61/62 (98.4%) cases were positive for desmin and CD34 with the following Rb distribution: grade 0 (n=53, 86.9%), grade 1 (n=5, 8.2%), grade 2 (n=2, 3.3%), and grade 3 (n=1, 1.6%). One case negative for desmin and CD34 showed grade 3 Rb staining. Upon rereview of the histology, 7/175 cases (4%) were morphologically and immunohistochemically compatible with CVM (desmin and CD34+ grade 0 Rb staining). CVM is a rare and under-recognized entity (4% of cervical polyps) for which morphology remains the mainstay of diagnosis. IHC reliance serves as a potential diagnostic pitfall as 86.9% of cases showing myofibroblastic differentiation demonstrated the staining pattern of desmin and CD34 positivity and Rb deficiency.

Superficial myofibroblastoma of the genital tract: a case report of the imaging findings

Superficial angiomyofibroblastomas are mesenchymal tumours that occur in the genital tract and are well described pathologically. This case report reviews the imaging appearances and highlights the MRI findings, which have not been previously described. We describe the occurrence of this lesion in a vaginal cyst, which to the authors’ knowledge, has also not been previously described. The histological findings are also presented here.

Superficial Myofibroblastoma in the Vulva Mimicking Aggressive Angiomyxoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background: Superficial myofibroblastoma (SMF) is a very rare benign mesenchymal tumor in the female lower genital tract. Only 46 cases have been reported in the English language literature, among which only 7 cases arose in the vulva. Sometimes SMF histologically mimics aggressive angiomyxoma (AA) in which massive myxoid change in stroma is characteristic. We herein report a case of vulvar SMF with prominent myxoid stroma and review the literature with the emphasis on the differential diagnosis of SMF and AA. Case presentation: a 37-year-old woman presented with a painless mass in the vulva. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a well-circumscribed 7 cm mass in the subcutis of the vulva. The tumor was resected. Histopathologically, the tumor was characterized by sparsely populated spindle-shaped cells in the fibromyxoid stroma. Thin-walled blood vessels were detected. Mitoses or pleomorphism was not found. Tumor cells were positive for vimentin, ER, PgR, and desmin. Some cells were positive for alpha-SMA and CD34. All cells were negative for S100 protein. Conclusions: because SMF and AA show different clinical prognoses, distinguishing SMF from AA is important. However, SMF may share many common histological features with AA: superficial localization (above fascia), sharp borderline from adjacent tissue, expansive growth pattern; a specific vascular pattern will lead to an accurate diagnosis of SMF. Familiarization with the histological characteristics of the two entities will help to make a prognostic prediction.

Cervical superficial myofibroblastoma: Case report and review of the literature

Superficial myofibroblastoma of the lower female genital tract is a rare benign, recently recognized neoplasm that mostly affects the vulvovaginal area. Our report discusses a case of cervical superficial myofibroblastoma of the lower female genital tract in a 45-year-old patient who is presented with menometrorrhagia. On examination, she had multiple uterine fibroids and a circumscribed submucosal mass lesion involving the anterior lip of cervix. At hysterectomy, histopathological examination of the cervical mass revealed a relatively hypocellular tumor consisted of bland spindled and stellate cells. An immunohistochemistry evaluation revealed reactivity for CD34, desmin, and smooth muscle actin. This neoplasm should be included in the differential diagnosis of cervical mass lesions. This tumor also needs to be differentiated from other mesenchymal lesions of lower female genital tract.

Superficial myofibroblastoma of the lower female genital tract with description of the MRI features

Superficial myofibroblastomas of the lower female genital tract are an unusual type of benign mesenchymal tumour. To the authors’ knowledge, there has been no previous imaging description of a superficial myofibroblastoma in the literature. Here, we describe a case that presented with symptoms consistent with vaginal prolapse. However, a mass was palpable on clinical examination with unusual features on MRI. Following surgery, the histopathological features were considered consistent with superficial myofibroblastoma. By presenting the MRI and histological findings, we aim to raise awareness about this lesion so that it may be considered in the differential diagnosis of a vaginal mass.

Vaginal superficial myofibroblastoma: a rare mesenchymal tumor of the lower female genital tract and a study of its association with viral infection

Superficial myofibroblastoma is a rare mesenchymal tumor in the lower female genital tract. The exact etiology of superficial myofibroblastoma remains unclear. The association of viral infection and mesenchymal tumors has been well established in some particular types of soft tissue tumors. In the lower female genital tract, the intimate correlation of viral infection and tumor pathogenesis has been also proposed. We present a 59-year-old woman with postcoital bleeding for 1 month. The pelvic examination revealed a 2-cm polypoid mass mimicking leiomyoma at the vaginal fornix. Local excision was performed, and the pathological examination revealed a superficial myofibroblastoma. No tumor recurrence was noted during the 12-month follow-up. Pathological differential diagnosis of this tumor from other mesenchymal tumors is essential because of its distinct clinicopathological features. Furthermore, fluorescence in situ hybridization of human papilloma virus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), as well as immunohistochemical staining of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8), was negative in tumor cells. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first group to study the possible relationship of viral infection and the occurrence of this mesenchymal tumor. Our results suggested no association of vaginal superficial myofibroblastoma and infection with HPV, EBV, or HHV8.

The 2 stromal compartments of the normal cervix with distinct immunophenotypic and histomorphologic features

Cervical plasticity is partially attributed to subepithelial stromal cells. Knowing this population of cells in its variable physiologic states, with its immunophenotypic variations, will lead to better understanding of neoplastic processes related to these stromal cells. We reviewed slides of cervices from premenopausal, postmenopausal, and postpartum patients and used mesenchymal immunohistochemical stains. Results demonstrate 2 distinct subepithelial compartments, within the ectocervix and the endocervix/transformation zone. The endocervix/transformation zone has twice the number of stromal cells as the ectocervix, regardless of age. Ectocervical stromal cells are desmin+/smooth muscle actin (SMA)-, and endocervical stromal cells are desmin+/SMA-. In postpartum/premenopausal patients, the cervix has less desmin+ ectocervical and SMA- endocervical cells. In postmenopausal/prolapse patients, the cervix has no desmin+ ectocervical cells. Desmin+/SMA, calponin, caldesmon, myogenin, myoD1, CD34- cells could represent unusual myofibroblasts that should not be confused with a neoplastic process, especially if a mass is not present.

Smooth Muscle Tumors of the Female Genital Tract

Smooth muscle tumors are the most common among mesenchymal tumors in the female genital tract. The vast majority of these neoplasms are clinically benign and easy to diagnose. In contrast, leiomyosarcomas are highly aggressive tumors that may pose considerable diagnostic problems when they display unusual (myxoid or epithelioid) morphology, ambiguous histologic features for malignancy, or an unusual anatomic distribution. Diagnostic criteria for these problematic tumors vary depending on the site and type of histologic differentiation, and are based on a combination of 3 major criteria: (1) moderate to severe cytologic atypia; (2) increased mitotic index; and (3) tumor cell necrosis. Certain benign smooth muscle proliferations may show worrisome histologic features or unusual growth patterns, causing concern for leiomyosarcoma. Furthermore, other tumors, including perivascular epithelioid tumors, may mimic leiomyosarcoma. Careful attention to the clinical and anatomic setting, cytologic and architectural features, and immunohistochemical characteristics are helpful in distinguishing these entities. This article discusses conventional smooth muscle tumors as well as unusual subtypes, with emphasis on the diagnostic criteria and problems in differential diagnosis that arise at each site within the female genital tract.

Immunohistochemical Markers of Value in the Diagnosis of Mesenchymal Lesions of the Female Genital Tract

Pure mesenchymal tumors may occur anywhere in the female genital tract, but they are most common in the uterine corpus, leiomyoma being by far the most prevalent. These tumors, and other uncommon mesenchymal lesions within the uterine corpus and elsewhere in the female genital tract, may result in several diagnostic problems. Morphology remains paramount and, in most cases, an unequivocal diagnosis can be made based on examination of the hematoxylin and eosin stained sections, combined with an appreciation of the clinical and gross pathologic features. In difficult cases, immunohistochemistry can significantly contribute to the final diagnosis. In this article, the immunohistochemistry of neoplastic and nonneoplastic mesenchymal lesions of the female genital tract is discussed site by site, concentrating on markers that are of value in diagnosis and in differential diagnosis. The immunophenotype of mixed epithelial and mesenchymal neoplasms and pure epithelial neoplasms with a component of spindle cells is discussed, where appropriate, because these can enter into the differential diagnosis of a pure mesenchymal lesion.

Application of immunohistochemistry to gynecologic pathology

CONTEXT

A large variety of tumors and lesions arise in the female genital tract. Although the majority of these can be correctly recognized on routine hematoxylin-eosin-stained slides, occasional cases present a diagnostic challenge. Immunohistochemical stains are extremely useful in resolving many of these problematic cases. As the knowledge in this area is constantly expanding, it is useful to have this updated information in a review form for easy access.

OBJECTIVE

To present our current knowledge of immunohistochemistry of the lesions of the female genital tract in a readily accessible form.

DATA SOURCES

The review is based on previously published articles on this topic.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunohistochemical stains help in reaching a conclusive diagnosis in a variety of problematic lesions seen in gynecologic pathology. As in any other system, immunohistochemical findings need to be interpreted in light of the clinical history and morphologic findings.

Tubulo-squamous Polyp

We report 10 cases of a morphologically distinct vaginal polyp which has hitherto not been characterized. The polyps occurred in women aged 39 to 78 years (most were postmenopausal) and were from 1.0 to 3.0 cm. Most of whose location is known to us were in the upper vagina. Histologically, all the polyps were remarkably similar and composed of well-circumscribed expansile nests of epithelial cells embedded in a hypocellular fibrous stroma. The epithelial elements, which were morphologically bland, were predominantly glycogenated or nonglycogenated squamous in type but small tubules were present at the periphery of some of the nests in all cases. Some of the squamous nests exhibited central necrosis with or without calcification and, in 3 cases, some contained keratin pearls. In 3 cases, a few tubules unassociated with squamous elements were present. In 3 of 4 cases tested, the cells lining the tubules were positive with prostatic acid phosphatase and in 2 of 4 with prostate-specific antigen. The epithelial elements reacted with broad-spectrum cytokeratins and cytokeratin 7 but the mesenchymal component was negative. The squamous elements were estrogen receptor positive and the mesenchymal component estrogen and progesterone receptor positive. The histologic features of this polyp, which we term "tubulo-squamous polyp of the vagina," are constant and distinctive and differ from other polyps and from mixed tumor of the vagina. Several cases reported in the literature as vaginal mixed tumor or Brenner tumor are likely examples of this entity. Possible theories of histogenesis include a Mullerian origin, derivation from mesonephric remnants or derivation from urogenital sinus-derived epithelium. Positive staining in some cases with prostatic acid phosphatase and prostate-specific antigen raises the possibility of ectopic prostatic tissue, although the overall appearance is different from that entity, or derivation from paraurethral Skene glands, the female equivalent of prostatic glands in the male.