Napsin A, Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor-1-Beta (HNF-1β), Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors Expression in Arias-Stella Reaction

Napsin A Immunoreactivity in "Hobnail" Epithelium in Benign Endometrial and Endocervical Polyps

Endometrial and endocervical polyps not uncommonly exhibit focal benign "hobnail" change/metaplasia within the glandular epithelium, sometimes in association with inflammation or infarction. In most cases, this is readily recognized as benign but occasionally, especially in endometrial polyps, this change prompts consideration of a premalignant or malignant lesion, including early serous or clear cell carcinoma. Herein we highlight the previously unreported phenomenon of positive staining of this hobnail epithelium with Napsin A which has the potential to exacerbate concern for clear cell carcinoma. Endometrial (n = 22) and endocervical (n = 17) polyps showing hobnail change were stained with Napsin A. Six cases were positive (4 of 22 endometrial and 2 of 17 endocervical polyps). In all cases, Napsin A positivity was confined to the hobnail epithelium. The hobnail epithelium was positive with estrogen receptor and hepatocyte nuclear factor 1- beta and exhibited wild-type immunoreactivity with p53 in all cases where these markers were performed. In addition, in 2 of 3 uterine adenosarcomas with focal hobnail change the epithelium was Napsin A positive. Pathologists should be aware that Napsin A may be expressed in benign/reactive hobnail epithelium in endometrial and endocervical polyps and should not consider positivity with this marker as a diagnostic of clear cell carcinoma.

Correlation of clinicopathological and prognostic characteristics between endometriosis-associated and primary ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

The main aim of this study was to establish the clinicopathological and prognostic correlations between endometriosis-associated and non-endometriosis-associated primary ovarian cancer, with a view to providing a reference guide for revision of diagnostic criteria for malignant transformation of endometriosis.

METHODS

Clinicopathological and follow-up data of 174 patients with clear cell and endometrial ovarian cancer were retrospectively extracted. Cases were divided into endometriosis-associated and non-endometriosis-associated primary ovarian cancer for comparative analysis of clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis.

RESULTS

Average age and post-menopausal rate in the endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer group were lower relative to the primary ovarian cancer group (P < 0.05). Body mass index, age at menopause, operation history, dysmenorrhea, complications, tumor size, tumor side, ascites, CA125, HE4, CA19.9, stage, differentiation, expression of ER, PR, P53, P16, Ki67, MMR, HNF-1β and Napsin A were not significantly different between the groups (P > 0.05). Furthermore, rates of resistance to platinum chemotherapy, relapse, progression-free survival and overall survival were comparable between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Endometriosis-associated and primary ovarian cancers of the same pathological type are speculated to be homologous in terms of origin from malignant transformation of endometriosis. It may therefore be necessary to revise the diagnostic criteria for ovarian endometriosis malignancy.

Squamous and Glandular Epithelial Tumors of the Cervix: A Pragmatical Review Emphasizing Emerging Issues in Classification, Diagnosis, and Staging

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most frequent epithelial malignant tumor of the cervix and among the most frequent neoplasm in women worldwide. Endocervical adenocarcinoma is the second most common malignancy. Both tumors and their precursors are currently classified based on human papillomavirus status, with prognostic and predictive value. Various prognostic biomarkers and alternative morphologic parameters have been recently described and could be used in the management of these patients. This pragmatical review highlights recent developments, emerging issues as well as controversial areas regarding the cause-based classification, diagnosis, staging, and prognostic parameters of epithelial malignant tumors of the cervix.