Endosalpingiosis of Axillary Lymph Nodes: A Rare Histopathologic Pitfall with Clinical Relevance for Breast Cancer Staging

Ductal Carcinoma Arising in a Squamous Epithelial Inclusion Cyst within an Axillary Lymph Node: A Challenging Nodal Metastasis

Introduction. Assessment of axillary lymph nodes in breast carcinoma is an important part of staging to guide appropriate clinical management. Lymph node inclusions of different types, including nevoid, squamous, and glandular, are rare but have been reported in multiple different anatomic locations including the axilla. These can result in diagnostic challenges and pose risks of misdiagnoses. Rarely, malignancies may arise intrinsic to otherwise incidental benign nodal inclusions. Case Presentation. We report a case of ductal carcinoma diagnosed within a squamous epithelial inclusion cyst within an axillary lymph node in a patient with pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the ipsilateral right breast. To our knowledge, this is the fifth report in the literature of breast carcinoma confirmed within an axillary inclusion in a patient with pure DCIS. Evaluation of the primary DCIS and lymph node inclusions, by routine and immunohistochemical stains, was performed for assessment. Discussion. The presence of lymph node inclusions can pose a challenge in assessment of benignity and malignancy, on frozen and permanent histologic sections. Pathologists should carefully evaluate lymph node inclusions to ensure that intrinsic malignancies are not missed within rare otherwise benign appearing incidental epithelial rests.

Intraoperative Appearance of Endosalpingiosis: A Single-Center Experience of Laparoscopic Findings and Systematic Review of Literature

Background: Endosalpingiosis is assumed to be the second most common benign peritoneal pathology after endometriosis in women. Although recent studies indicate a significant association with gynecologic malignancies, many underlying principles remain unclear. This work aimed to systematically describe the intraoperative appearance of endosalpingiosis. Methods: Data and intraoperative videos of patients with histologically verified endosalpingiosis were retrospectively reviewed. The main outcome measures were macroscopic phenotype and anatomical distribution. Additionally, a systematic review searching PubMed (Medline) and Embase was conducted. Results: In the study population (n = 77, mean age 40.2 years (SD 16.4)), the mean size of lesions was 3.6 mm and the main visual pattern was vesicular (62%). The most frequent localization was the sacrouterine ligaments (24.7%). In the systematic review population (n = 1174 (210 included studies overall), mean age 45.7 years (SD 14.4)), there were 99 patients in 90 different studies with adequate data to assess the appearance of the lesions. The mean size of the lesions was 48.5 mm, mainly with a cystic visual pattern (49.5%). The majority of the lesions affected the ovaries (23.2%), fallopian tubes (20.4%), or lymph nodes (18.5%). Comparing this study to the literature population, the main differences concerned the size (p < 0.001) and main visual patterns (p < 0.001) of lesions. Conclusions: The usual intraoperative findings of endosalpingiosis appeared less impressive than described in the literature. In our study population, lesions of a few millimeters in size with a vesicular appearance were mostly seen, most frequently in the sacrouterine ligament area. Intraoperative recognition by the gynecologic surgeon and histologic diagnosis should play an important role in further understanding this entity, scientifically and clinically.

Benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma: literature review and update

Benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma (BMPM) is a rare peritoneal tumor diagnosed predominantly in pre-menopausal women. Associated risk factors include endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease in women, and prior abdominal surgery in both genders. To date, the pathogenesis of this disease remains controversial with possible etiologies, including a neoplastic versus a reactive process. Given the risk factors, some authors believe that this disease is secondary to a reactive process. However, because some studies describe cases where there is no prior surgical history or inflammatory milieu present, and because of this entity’s predilection for recurrence, some authors believe the origin to be neoplastic. Some genetic and familial associations have also been reported. Malignant transformation is extremely rare, with only two cases reported in the literature, despite the recurrence potential. Like the etiology, the name of this entity is also controversial. Some authors prefer the term “peritoneal inclusion cyst (PCM)” instead of “benign cystic mesothelioma” and argue that the term mesothelioma should only be used when there is evidence of atypia. Most cases of BMPM are discovered incidentally. Others reflect sequela of tumor mass effect. It appears intra-operatively as large, multi-focal, cystic lesions in the peritoneal and pelvic cavity. Diagnosis is achieved through surgical sampling with histopathological examination. Immunobiologically, BMPM exhibits multiple small cystic spaces with flattened lining containing calretinin positive cells without atypical features, mitotic figures, or tissue invasion. Treatment includes cytoreductive surgery. Here we present a case of BMPM in a 60-year-old male – a rare disease in an uncommon patient population.

Vaginal Endosalpingiosis Case Report: A Rare Entity Presenting as Intermenstrual Bleeding

Endosalpingiosis is a benign and rare entity whose pathophysiology remains unknown. It has been described in pelvic organs, the abdomen, or axillar lymph nodes. Its underrecognition has occasionally led to its misinterpretation for an adenocarcinoma. This case reports the treatment and follow-up of vaginal endosalpingiosis, presenting as a vaginal polyp in a premenopausal women with intermenstrual bleeding. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of vaginal endosalpingiosis and the second mucosal localization after bladder endosalpingiosis.