Malignant small round cell tumors

Extraskeletal ewing's sarcoma on hard palate biltaerally: A rare case report

Ewing Sarcoma belongs to the category of undifferentiated blue small round cell tumour and its origin has been traced to be that from inside of the bone, but can also arise in soft tissues (extraosseous form). These lesions belong to the category of round cell tumours, which includes a varied range of tumours. This category, although found in other extremities and thoracic regions, head and neck region have been reported to have less number of tumours, in addition to that the soft tissue counterparts are even scarcely reported. Thereby, this case reports represents a soft tissue counterpart of Ewings Sarcoma on the hard palate, which not only extends unilaterally but extends bilaterally.

Combination of HDAC and FYN inhibitors in synovial sarcoma treatment

The SS18-SSX fusion protein is an oncogenic driver in synovial sarcoma. At the molecular level, SS18-SSX functions as both an activator and a repressor to coordinate transcription of different genes responsible for tumorigenesis. Here, we identify the proto-oncogene FYN as a new SS18-SSX target gene and examine its relation to synovial sarcoma therapy. FYN is a tyrosine kinase that promotes cancer growth, metastasis and therapeutic resistance, but SS18-SSX appears to negatively regulate FYN expression in synovial sarcoma cells. Using both genetic and histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi)-based pharmacologic approaches, we show that suppression of SS18-SSX leads to FYN reactivation. In support of this notion, we find that blockade of FYN activity synergistically enhances HDACi action to reduce synovial sarcoma cell proliferation and migration. Our results support a role for FYN in attenuation of anti-cancer activity upon inhibition of SS18-SSX function and demonstrate the feasibility of targeting FYN to improve the effectiveness of HDACi treatment against synovial sarcoma.

Use of Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flap for Reconstruction of Soft-tissue Defect in a 2-month-old Infant with Rhabdomyosarcoma on Back

The latissimus dorsi muscle flap is a robust option for reconstructing defects over the back, but the use of this flap in infants is not widely documented. We did this flap to cover a defect that was created after wide local excision of a rhabdomyosarcoma on the back of a 2-month-old infant. Reconstructive surgery was completed successfully, and postoperative recovery was uneventful.

Malignant tumour in pregnancy: Ewing-like sarcoma of the gluteal region

We report a case of an Ewing-like sarcoma of the gluteal region with ongoing growth during the second trimester of pregnancy and noted during the third trimester. This lesion was consequently studied to infer its malignant potential. Several examinations were conducted to characterise this lesion, such as ultrasound and MR, which showed signs of tumourous invasion of the deep tissues of the gluteal region.Given that the pregnancy was at the end of the third trimester, the decision was made to schedule the delivery at 37 weeks of gestation and treat the tumour afterwards to balance maternal and fetal health.This case illustrates the need for a detailed investigation and guidance by a multidisciplinary team to provide prenatal counselling regarding a malignant tumour during pregnancy.

A rare Ewing-like small round cell tumor in prostate: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Small round cell tumor (SRCT) is a group of malignancy with similar optical microscopic morphology. Despite its low incidence, SRCT has a high malignant degree and poor prognosis. Besides, atypical clinical symptoms make it difficult in preoperative diagnosis.

CASE REPORT

A 67-year-old man was presented to the outpatient service with dysuria and weak urine stream lasting for 3 months. After oral treatment with tamsulosin and finasteride for 2 months, the symptoms worsen. Transurethral prostate holmium laser enucleation was operated and postoperative pathology result revealed small blue round cell malignant tumor. Further immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization examination indicated Ewing-like SRCT. So a Da Vinci Robotic prostatectomy was performed further and whole-genome sequencing was conducted. Several gene mutations including RAF1, ARID1A, SMARCA4, and BCL2L11 were found but no FDA-approved drug could treat specifically. Then the patient received Ewing-type therapeutic regimens treatment and has been followed up to date (over 24 months).

CONCLUSION

Because of its non-elevated serum PSA level, prostate SRCT is often ignored as a possibility of malignant tumor and regarded as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The possibility of prostate SRCT need to be considered if dysuria symptoms could not alleviate significantly after a period of oral treatment.

Categorizing Malignant Small Round Cell Tumors in Aspiration Cytology: An Institutional Experience

Aim and Objectives

The study aims to categorize malignant small round cell tumors (MSRCTs) originating in various sites of the body with the objective of utilization of cytomorphological features and ancillary techniques.

Study Design

It is a cross-sectional study conducted over a time span of 3 years (2017-2020). 33 cases of tumors with round cell morphology were evaluated by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).

Materials and Methods

The application of cell block preparation supported by immunohistochemistry aided in the categorization of 23 cases with definite diagnosis and the rest were reported as MSRCTs.

Results

Among the categorized 23/33 cases, the most common diagnosis was Ewing's sarcoma (7/23) followed by 6 cases of lymphoma. There were 2 cases each of rhabdomyosarcoma and Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) and 1 case each of neuroblastoma, desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT), myeloid sarcoma, neuroendocrine tumor of pancreas, plasmacytoma, and small cell carcinoma. Histopathology confirmation was available in 24/33 cases. Among the categorized tumors (23/33), biopsy correlation was available in 19 cases, of which concordant result was seen in 17 cases (89.47%), which were 6 cases of lymphoma, 5 cases of Ewing's sarcoma (EWS), 2 of rhabdomyosarcoma, and 1 each of neuroblastoma, small cell carcinoma, DSRCT, and LCH. Discordant result was seen in one case of rhabdomyosarcoma and a case of synovial sarcoma reported as extraskeletal EWS in cytology. Out of the uncategorized cases reported as MSRTCs, histopathology was available in 5 cases which were diagnosed as rhabdomyosarcoma (1 cases), lymphoma (1 case), amelanotic melanoma (1 case), and extraskeletal EWS (2 cases).

Conclusion

Categorization of MSRCTs should be done to implement appropriate therapeutic protocol. FNAC provides a rapid diagnosis contributing immensely for the timely management of the patient. Detailed cytomorphological evaluation serves as a guide for further evaluation by ancillary techniques leading to definitive diagnosis.

Detection of Nonhematologic Neoplasms in Bone Marrow by Flow Cytometry: A Report of Two Cases

Multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) is a well-established method for the diagnosis, prognosis, and follow-up of a vast majority of hematological malignancies; however, it can have a major impact on the rapid diagnosis of nonhematopoietic tumor micrometastases in minimally invasive samples such as bone marrow aspirates (BMAs), body fluids, and tissue samples (lymph nodes, fine needle aspirates). Here, we present two cases of bone marrow micrometastases of neuroendocrine origin (one small cell lung carcinoma [SCLC] and one large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma [LCNEC] of the lungs) readily recognized by routine MFC investigation of BMA and review the existing literature on the role of MFC in the diagnosis of solid tumors of neuroendocrine origin. The clinical application of flow cytometry for the diagnosis of solid tumors is limited despite the accumulating evidence of the value of the method. It can be of great value in situations where the patient's clinical status forbids invasive procedures, and a rapid diagnosis is desirable. Flow cytometry is a valuable tool for the detection of both hematological and nonhematologic neoplasms. Future large-scale patient series will probably confirm its role in the screening, diagnosis, and classification of more tumor types.

Expression of NKX2.2 in Non-Ewing Tumors With Round Cell Morphology

Background Round cell sarcomas pose diagnostic challenges due to overlapping histopathological features, necessitating precise immunohistochemical markers for accurate categorization. NKX2.2 has emerged as a sensitive diagnostic tool, particularly in Ewing sarcoma. This study extends this understanding to various round-cell sarcomas, shedding light on the potential diagnostic utility of NKX2.2 beyond its established role. The nuanced exploration of NKX2.2 expression aims to enhance diagnostic strategies, prognostic assessments, and therapeutic developments in the landscape of sarcoma research. Methodology Cases were retrieved from the surgical pathology and consultation files of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Lahore, Pakistan. Representative hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides of six different types of already confirmed tumors, including lymphoblastic lymphoma, neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, Wilms tumor, and Ewing sarcoma, were reviewed by a panel of pathologists. Immunohistochemistry, utilizing a rabbit anti-NKX2.2 monoclonal antibody, was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections. The presence of NKX2.2 was defined as moderate or high nuclear immunoreactivity in at least 5% of cells. Results The histopathological examination revealed characteristic features in each sarcoma subtype, aligning with established diagnostic criteria. In Lymphoblastic lymphoma, T-cell lineage was confirmed through TdT expression, while the atypical finding of focal NKX 2.2 expression hinted at genetic diversity. Neuroblastoma exhibited the expected salt and pepper chromatin pattern, with NKX 2.2 expression raising questions about its prognostic significance. Rhabdomyosarcoma presented primitive cells expressing desmin, and NKX 2.2 focal expression echoed previous subtype-associated studies. Synovial sarcoma displayed both monophasic and biphasic growth patterns and TLE1 expression, with NKX 2.2 variation suggesting tumor heterogeneity. In Wilms tumor, the characteristic WT1 expression was observed, while NKX2.2's absence reaffirmed its irrelevance in this context. Ewing sarcoma displayed the anticipated homogenous cell population, strong NKX2.2 expression, and CD99 positivity across various sites. Furthermore, age and gender impact on this range of sarcomas found no significant relation with an expression of NKX2.2. Conclusion In conclusion, the diverse expression profiles of diagnostic markers discovered in this study, particularly the atypical expression of NKX2.2 beyond its established role in Ewing sarcoma, signify a significant advancement. This unique finding accentuates the potential diagnostic importance of NKX2.2 in various sarcomas, presenting a novel dimension to our understanding of these malignancies.

Diversity of small round cell sarcoma in soft tissues around bone among Indian patients

Round cell tumors are a group of malignant tumors which shows overlapping microscopic features of small round monotonous cells with hyper-chromatic nucleus. It mostly occurs in children, adolescent, and young adults. The ancillary technique to confirm the differential diagnosis of round cells sarcoma is immuno-histo chemistry (IHC). Therefore, it is of interest to document the diversity of small round cell sarcoma in soft tissues around bones among Indian patients using IHC. A total of 334 cases among Indians were studied. Among them 160 cases were Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, 82 cases are poorly differentiated carcinoma and 92 cases of round cell sarcoma. Out of 92 cases, there were (40%) 27 cases of Wilms tumour, with the highest incidence. The highest incidence was observed in 0-14 years of age group with highest incidence in males. The distribution and diverse histology of different small round cell sarcoma offers challenge in the diagnosis by histopathology. Most frequent round cell tumour is Wilms tumour, followed by Rhabdomyosarcoma. Data shows the role of IHC in classifying soft tissue sarcoma but some time result of IHC remains inconclusive, where cytogenetic is important.

Chemotherapeutic drugs for soft tissue sarcomas: a review

Despite the low incidence of soft tissue sarcomas (STSs), hundreds of thousands of new STS cases are diagnosed annually worldwide, and approximately half of them eventually progress to advanced stages. Currently, chemotherapy is the first-line treatment for advanced STSs. There are difficulties in selecting appropriate drugs for multiline chemotherapy, or for combination treatment of different STS histological subtypes. In this study, we first comprehensively reviewed the efficacy of various chemotherapeutic drugs in the treatment of STSs, and then described the current status of sensitive drugs for different STS subtypes. anthracyclines are the most important systemic treatment for advanced STSs. Ifosfamide, trabectedin, gemcitabine, taxanes, dacarbazine, and eribulin exhibit certain activities in STSs. Vinca alkaloid agents (vindesine, vinblastine, vinorelbine, vincristine) have important therapeutic effects in specific STS subtypes, such as rhabdomyosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma family tumors, whereas their activity in other subtypes is weak. Other chemotherapeutic drugs (methotrexate, cisplatin, etoposide, pemetrexed) have weak efficacy in STSs and are rarely used. It is necessary to select specific second- or above-line chemotherapeutic drugs depending on the histological subtype. This review aims to provide a reference for the selection of chemotherapeutic drugs for multi-line therapy for patients with advanced STSs who have an increasingly long survival.

Role of immunohistochemistry in diagnosing round-cell tumours affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions

Background

One of the most challenging spectra of lesions in the oral and maxillofacial region (OMFR) are round-cell tumours (RCTs). They show a considerable degree of overlap in microscopy and immunophenotypes. The main aim of this study is to analyse the spectrum of RCTs encountered in the oral and maxillofacial regions. We emphasise the role of immunohistochemistry (IHC) which in conjunction with histological, clinical, and imaging findings is necessary for their correct characterisation. The secondary objectives are to discuss differential diagnosis, workflow, and diagnostic algorithm for round-cell lesions affecting the OMFR.

Methods

Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of RCTs were retrieved from the archives of the Department of Oral Pathology (January 2018 to March 2020). These cases were analysed by three pathologists independently by evaluating haematoxylin and eosin-stained sections, and immunohistochemical markers employed to characterise these lesions.

Results

Under the spectrum of RCTs, 11 cases (0.53%) were diagnosed with a predominance of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (55%) followed by Ewing sarcoma (18%). The remaining were Langerhans cell histiocytosis (9%), neuroendocrine carcinoma (9%), and sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (9%). Except for one case, in all cases, the final diagnosis was established with the use of adjunctive IHC.

Conclusion

RCTs can pose a diagnostic challenge for inexperienced oral pathologists. Thorough knowledge of the differentials of RCT occurring in oral and maxillofacial is helpful. An algorithm-based diagnostic approach incorporating the clinical, imaging, and histomorphological findings and immunohistochemical evaluation can help in minimizing diagnostic confusion and errors.

Spontaneous periocular ecchymosis: a major review

Periocular ecchymosis, or periocular bruising, is a common clinical finding. Periocular skin is thin with an extensive vascular network, making this anatomical region prone to bruising. The most common etiology is trauma, but rarely, patients can present with spontaneous periocular ecchymosis (SPE). The pathophysiology of SPE is complex and varied. In this literature review of 121 articles, we assessed the frequency and variety of causation of this infrequent entity. The main finding was that by far the most common diagnosis causing SPE is amyloidosis and neoplasm, most notably neuroblastoma. Amyloidosis accounted for 23% articles (28/121) and neuroblastoma for 17% articles (21/121). Overall, neoplastic processes accounted for 30% of the articles (36/121), raised intracranial pressure and vascular malformations for 19% of the articles (23/121), migraine and atypical headache for 7% of the articles (8/121), while iatrogenic accounted for 5% of the articles (6/121). Through exploration and appreciation of the pathophysiology, we hope to foster a greater understanding in the clinician to establish underlying etiology, from benign to life-threatening, when presented with SPE.

Primary Ewings Sarcoma of the Inferior Vena Cava

INTRODUCTION

Sarcomas of vascular origin are rare. A case of Ewings sarcoma of Inferior Vena Cava [IVC] is reported here.

REPORT

A 36-year-old lady presented with a 6-month history of bilateral pitting lower limb swelling and 1-month history of vaginal bleeding. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the thorax and abdomen revealed a soft tissue lesion extending from the cavoatrial junction to the junction of the middle hepatic vein with IVC. She underwent IVC resection (suprahepatic) and left lateral hepatectomy with dacron graft reconstruction. The pathology was suggestive of Ewings sarcoma and she received adjuvant chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative tissue diagnosis can be considered in vascular tumors to sequence the various treatment modalities for improved outcomes.

Intra-abdominal desmoplastic small blue round cell tumor: A case report

Desmoplastic small round blue cell tumors are a rare and aggressive type of malignant small round blue cell tumor with a limited number of cases published in the literature. They commonly affect males in their second decade of life who usually present with a metastasis picture, resulting in a poor prognosis. We present a case of an intra-abdominal desmoplastic small blue round cell tumor in a 23-year-old male who presented with abdominal pain and bloating. Computed tomography revealed a large intra-abdominal mass which was followed by laparotomy and surgical resection of the abdominal mass with histology confirming the diagnosis. Careful clinical, radiological, and histopathological correlations are crucial to reach an accurate diagnosis which would be followed by surgical cytoreduction with primary, partial or complete tumor removal.

Transcervical approach to oropharyngeal synovial sarcoma: a case report

Aim: Synovial sarcomas (SS) are malignant tumors rarely arising in the head and neck region. In most of these cases, the tumor arises in the cervical or hypopharyngeal region, and extremely rarely in the oropharynx. Case report: Herein, we report the case of a 22-year-old male oropharyngeal SS patient presented with breathing difficulty and dysphagia. The management plan included an emergency tracheostomy, followed shortly by transcervical resection of the oropharyngeal sarcoma tumor, the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap was used for pharyngeal reconstruction, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy resulting in more than 5 years disease-free survival. Conclusion: SS arising in the oropharynx are extremely rare. Transcervical resection coupled with adjuvant radiotherapy warrants enhanced locoregional control in advanced oropharyngeal cases.

Primary Thyroid Neoplasm with Fetal Morphology Associated with DICER1 Mutations: Expanding the Diagnostic Profile of Thyroblastoma

Introduction: Thyroblastoma, a primary thyroid neoplasm with histological features of primitive thyroid tissue has recently been described and is included as a distinct entity in the most recent edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumors (5th edition). In this study, we expand the clinical, morphological, and molecular profile of this aggressive neoplasm. Patient Findings: The patients are females, 19 and 45 years of age, referred for large thyroid nodules. Tumor morphology is biphasic, composed of nests and follicles of epithelial cells, some with colloid-like secretions reminiscent of fetal thyroid follicles intertwined with a primitive stromal spindle cell component. By immunohistochemistry, the epithelial component is diffusely positive for PAX8 and TTF1 markers. Molecular studies showed DICER1 aberrations. Conclusion: A primary primitive thyroid malignancy reminiscent of early fetal embryology with no teratoid element, recently reported as thyroblastoma represents a unique entity, novel in its description, and is likely underdiagnosed.

A case report on non-metastatic Ewing sarcoma of the lumbar spine in a young patient

BACKGROUND

Ewing sarcoma (ES), the second most common malignant bone tumor after osteosarcoma in the second decade, occurs in 0.9% of cases as the primary non-sacral form.

CASE

A 20-years-old male presented with acute paraparesis of bilateral lower limb and numbness following initial back pain for the last 6 months. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine revealed a 4 cm enhancing soft tissue mass at the L4/L5 vertebra extending into the spinal canal with compression of the thecal sac. The computed tomography (CT) of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis revealed aggressive lytic lesions in the L4 spinous process with soft tissue extension into the spinal canal with no other site of distant metastasis. He was treated with IV steroids (Injection dexamethasone 10 mg IV followed by 4 mg tablet dexamethasone q6h; subsequently tapered off). A core needle biopsy showed a small, round blue cell neoplasm, (suggestive of a primitive neuroectodermal) stained positive for CD99 and vimentin stain. The diagnosis of ES lumbar spine was made which was treated with surgical resection with an appropriate margin measuring 8 × 4.5 × 2.5 cm with decompression and L4/5 laminectomies, which had a negative margin in the surgical pathology report. Concomitant local radiotherapy and chemotherapy [cycles of vincristine 2 mg/m² , adriamycin/doxorubicin 75 mg/m² , cyclophosphamide 1200 mg/m² (VDC) with mesna rescue alternating with cycles of ifosfamide 1800 mg/m² and etoposide 100 mg/m² (IE)] was started. The motor strength was regained gradually with preserved spine biomechanics and oncological control with no recurrence in 2-year follow-ups.

CONCLUSIONS

The presentation of lumbar ES can vary from local pain and swelling to acute paraparesis. Timely diagnosis and treatment with multimodal therapy, namely, steroids for acute spinal cord compression and surgery with chemoradiotherapy for ES can improve spinal biomechanics and oncological control.

Recurrent primary intracranial synovial sarcoma, a case report and review of the literature

Synovial sarcoma (SS) occurs in various parts of the body, predominantly in the extremities. It also occurs in organs without synovial structures. The intracranial disease has been reported as metastasis, but primary intracranial SS has been reported rarely. We report a patient with hemiplegia and a mass on the brain CT. Pathology showed SS with no extracranial pathology.

The impact of industrialization on malignant neoplastic disease of bone in England: A study of medieval and industrial samples

OBJECTIVE

The increasing prevalence of malignant disease has been associated with shifts in environmental, socioeconomic, and lifestyle risk factors as well as increased adult lifespan. We examine the relationship between malignant neoplasms affecting bone, age and industrialization.

MATERIALS

Pre-existing skeletal data from 11 medieval (1066-1547, n = 8973) and 14 industrial (1700-1890, n = 4748) cemeteries (N = 13,721) from England.

METHODS

Context number, sex, age-at-death, evidence of skeletal malignancy, and diagnosis were collated. The data were compared using chi square, Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests and logistic regression (α = 0.01).

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant increase in skeletal malignancy from 0.06 % in the medieval sample to 0.36 in the industrial sample (p < 0.001). Age had a strong relationship with malignancy (p = 0.003), sex did not (p = 0.464). Logistic regression revealed that time-period (p < 0.001) was a stronger predictor of skeletal malignancy than age-at-death (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Our results confirm that even with the temporal increase in adult human lifespan the increase of malignant neoplasms of bone between the medieval and industrial time periods is still statistically significant.

SIGNIFICANCE

The augmented exposure to carcinogens and pollution during the Industrial Revolution had a strong effect on an individual's susceptibility to developing malignant disease of bone.

LIMITATIONS

This meta-analysis relies upon previously gathered data and diagnosis from a large number of researchers and did not include radiographic or CT screening. Only malignant neoplasms that affected bone could be included.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH

Increasing excavation and analysis of post-medieval cemeteries will provide more data. Multimethod approaches (radiography, CT, Micro-CT and histology) are encouraged.

Primary primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the cervix confirmed with molecular analysis in a pregnant woman: A case report and literature review

Primary primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) in the female tract is rare. Recently, a case of cervical PNET was diagnosed in our hospital. A 29-year-old pregnant woman presented with a cystic-solid cervical mass at the 7th week of gestation. The mass grew rapidly during follow-up and ruptured at the 22nd week. A biopsy was performed on the mass. Pathological examination revealed a malignant neoplasm composed of small cells which exhibited positive immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for CD99, SYN, and FLI1. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) displayed the presence of EWS-FLI1 fusion gene resulting from the chromosomal translocation t (11;22, q24;q12), which confirmed the diagnosis of cervical PNET. The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results showed type 2 EWS-FLI1 fusion occurred in this tumor, suggesting a poor prognosis. The patient underwent surgical resection and was given adjuvant chemotherapy followed by pelvic radiotherapy. PNET arising from the genital tract, especially in the uterine cervix, is very rare and presents a diagnostic challenge. FISH and RT-PCR analysis are helpful for the diagnosis of such a tumor at an unusual site, as in the present case.

Nanotechnology-Based Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies for Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma (NB), as the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood, is one of the critical culprits affecting children's health. Given the heterogeneity and invisibility of NB tumors, the existing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are inadequate and ineffective in early screening and prognostic improvement. With the rapid innovation and development of nanotechnology, nanomedicines have attracted widespread attention in the field of oncology research for their excellent physiological and chemical properties. In this review, we first explored the current common obstacles in the diagnosis and treatment of NB. Then we comprehensively summarized the advancements in nanotechnology-based multimodal synergistic diagnosis and treatment of NB and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. In addition, a discussion of the pending challenges in biocompatibility and toxicity of nanomedicine was conducted. Finally, we described the development and application status of nanomaterials against some of the recognized targets in the field of NB research, and pointed out prospects for nanomedicine-based precision diagnosis and therapy of NB.

Synovial sarcomas: A single surgeon experience of 130 cases

Background

Synovial sarcoma is a rare malignant tumor that generally requires a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach. In this study we report the experience of a single surgeon, evaluating surgical and oncological outcomes of the cases he treated through his 30 years carrier.

Methods

We enrolled patients treated surgically between 1988 and 2018. Surgical and medical treatments, as well as surgical and oncological results, were investigated.

Results

One hundred and thirty cases were included. Surgical resection was carried out achieving wide margins in 90% of the cases. At their latest follow‐up, 76 patients were continuously disease free, 16 were no evidence of disease, and other 16 were alive with disease. Twenty cases were dead of disease and two dead of other causes. Twenty‐five patients (19%) had local recurrence of synovial sarcoma through their postoperative intercourse. Thirty‐seven patients (28%) were diagnosed with at least a metastasis during their follow‐up. The global survival of our population, at each patient's latest follow‐up, was 82%. Cases with tumor size above 5 cm had a significantly higher risk to develop metastasis (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Synovial sarcoma is a threatening disease and represents a challenge for oncological physicians and surgeons. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary approach are mandatory to limit the spread of synovial sarcomas, maximizing the effectiveness of surgery and the other treatments.

The Small Round Cell Sarcomas Complexities and Desmoplastic Presentation

Background

Small round cell sarcomas (SRCSs) account for most solid malignancies in the pediatric age group and are a part of group of malignant tumors characterized by heterogenous clinical presentation and overlapping microscopic features of small, round, primitive cells. In addition to the recently established certain genetically defined subset of undifferentiated round cell sarcomas of soft tissue and bone, this group of sarcomas include desmoplastic small round cell tumor, poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma, alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, and small cell osteosarcoma. Although, those entities share clinical and cytomorphologic features and cannot be unequivocally classified based on clinical presentation and morphology alone. Most of SRCSs characterizes of particular patterns of protein expression or genetic changes and ancillary tests remain necessary to confirm or rule out a specific diagnosis. Subtle but occasionally distinctive cytologic features narrows the number of differential diagnoses and helps to select appropriate ancillary tests necessary for the final diagnosis. Thus, when adequate fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy specimen is combined with ancillary tests, a specific histologic diagnosis can be made in almost all cases. However, due to complex cytologic features of SRCS as well as various quality and diversity of FNA smears, there are cases in that cytologic features which do not entirely match the known diagnostic criteria.

Summary

The aim of this review was to summarize cytomorphologic criteria and to present rare and divergent cytological features of SRCSs. Careful assessment of clinical presentation, cytological features, immunohistochemical patterns, and molecular alternations is necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Knowing of rare and divergent microscopic findings that does not fit with the known cytological criteria will help to avoid misdiagnosis.

Key Messages

The role of FNA biopsies diagnosing soft tissue and bone tumors has been increasing because of the ability of ancillary tests to assist in the diagnosis of specific tumors. SRCSs may be diagnosed accurately in cytology specimens. Access to clinical and radiographic presentation, utility of ancillary tests, understanding complexity of cytological features, and awareness of the rare cytologic findings that differ from that of the established diagnostic criteria are essential to make correct diagnosis.

Case Report: Primary Intraosseous Poorly Differentiated Synovial Sarcoma of the Femur

Primary intraosseous poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma is exceedingly rare. Here, we present a case of primary intraosseous poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma from the proximal femur in a 16-year-old girl. The case was initially misdiagnosed, but the correct diagnosis of synovial sarcoma was eventually confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization and next-generation sequencing. We review the literature pertaining to synovial sarcoma and show that this case is the second molecularly proven intraosseous poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma in the literature. Recognition of intraosseous synovial sarcoma composed of small round cells is imperative in order to avoid misdiagnosis of the tumor as Ewing sarcoma and other small round-cell tumors, all of which have markedly different clinical management.

SYT-SSX1 enhances the invasiveness and maintains stem-like cell properties in synovial sarcoma via induction of TGF-β1/Smad signaling

Background

Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a type of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of undetermined tissue origin, which is characterized by the recurrent pathognomonic chromosomal translocation t (X;18)(p11.2; q11.2). Studies have shown that SS is a malignant tumor originating from cancer stem cells or pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells and may be related to fusion genes. In addition, some studies have indicated that the induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) via the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway leads to SS metastasis.

Methods

We analyzed the effects of SYT-SSX1 on the stemness of SS cells via TGF-β1/Smad signaling in vitro. The SYT-SSX1 fusion gene high expression cell was constructed by lentiviral stable transfer technology. SYT-SSX1 and SW982 cells were cultured and tested for sphere-forming ability. The transwell migration assay and flow cytometry were used to assess the migration ability of the sphere cells as well as the expression of CSC-related markers. We treated SYT-SSX1 cells with rhTGF-β1 (a recombinant agent of the TGF-β1 signaling pathway) and SB431542 and observed morphological changes. A CCK-8 experiment and a western blot (WB) experiment were conducted to detect the expression of TGF-β1 signaling pathway- and EMT-related proteins after treatment. The SYT-SSX1 cells were then cultured and their ability to form spheres was tested. Flow cytometry, WB, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to detect the expression of CSC surface markers on SYT-SSX1 sphere cells.

Results

It was found that SYT-SSX1 has stronger sphere-forming ability, migration ability, and higher expression of CSC-related molecules than SW982 cells. Through treating SYT-SSX1 and SW982 cells with rhTGF-β1 and SB431542, we found that TGF-β1 enhanced the proliferation of cells, induced EMT, and that TGF-β1 enhanced the characteristics of tumor stem cells.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that SYT-SSX1 enhances invasiveness and maintains stemness in SS cells via TGF-β1/Smad signaling. These findings reveal an effective way to potentially improve the prognosis of patients with SS by eliminating the characteristics of cancer stem cells (CSCs) during treatment.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09229-5.

Malignant primary intraosseus synovial sarcoma – a rare case report

Primary intraosseous synovial sarcoma is an extremely rare malignancy that occurs primarily in young adults. We present a case of a primary intraosseous synovial sarcoma of the right distal ulna in a 19-year-old female. It has a propensity to mimic other radiologic and pathologic diagnosis. Histopathology after a surgical excisional biopsy with a wide margin plus adjunct radio and chemotherapy are necessary to improve prognosis.

Clinical Significance and Risk Factors of Local Recurrence in Synovial Sarcoma: A Retrospective Analysis of 171 Cases

Objective: To investigate risk factors of local recurrence of synovial sarcoma and the impact of local recurrence on survival.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed clinical data of patients with II to IIIB (AJCC8) synovial sarcoma who underwent surgery at our center between March 2005 and December 2016. Data relating clinicopathological factors, treatment and prognosis were collected. The impact of local recurrence on overall survival (OS), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), and distant relapse-free survival (DRFS) were analyzed. The prognostic factors associated with local recurrence were also analyzed using Kaplan-Meier Curves and Cox regression analysis.

Results: A total of 171 patients were included in this analysis. After a median follow-up of 48 months, 66 patients (38.6%) experienced local recurrence. The 5-year OS, LRFS, and DRFS rates of patients with local recurrence were 37.6, 6.1, and 24.1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that larger initial tumors, multiple recurrences, positive resection margins, marginal resection, and lack of adjuvant therapy were associated with higher local recurrence.

Conclusion: Local recurrence of synovial sarcoma is associated with distant metastasis and poor survival. Chemoradiation improves the prognosis of patients with local recurrence, in particular those for which recurrence occurs shortly after initial treatment.

A case report of small round cell tumor of palm: A difficult code to decipher on cytology

Introduction

Small round cell tumors (SRCT) are difficult to sub categorise on fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) samples as they are rare and it is difficult for cytopathologists to obtain enough experience for rendering reliable diagnoses. Various sub categories of SRCTs are morphologically very similar. Many SRCTs do not have specific antigens which could be demonstrated with immunocytochemistry (ICC) or they lose them when poorly differentiated. Besides, cross-reactivity exists between some SRCTs. Suboptimal FNAC sampling from a heterologous component and unstandardized performance of ICC contributes to the pitfalls.

Presentation of the case

A 40-year-old male presented with a swelling measuring 3 cm in diameter on palmar aspect of right-hand. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested cyst of tendon sheath. However, on cytology in combination with ICC, a diagnosis of non-lymphoid small round cells tumor was suggested, with confirmatory diagnosis on histopathology.

Conclusion

FNAC assisted with ICC can be a rapid and economical diagnostic tool in cases of high-grade malignant tumors for which early diagnosis is extremely important.

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Small round cell tumors (SRCT) are difficult to sub categorise on fine-needle aspiration.

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Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the palpable lesions is usually the first line of investigation in such cases.

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Fine needle aspiration cytology alone is not diagnostic.

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Fine needle aspiration cytology assisted with immunocytochemistry can be useful for rapid diagnosis.

Horizontal transfer of the stemness-related markers EZH2 and GLI1 by neuroblastoma-derived extracellular vesicles in stromal cells

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial pediatric solid cancer originating from undifferentiated neural crest cells. NB cells express EZH2 and GLI1 genes that are known to maintain the undifferentiated phenotype of cancer stem cells (CSC) in NB. Recent studies suggest that tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) can regulate the transformation of surrounding cells into CSC by transferring tumor-specific molecules they contain. However, the horizontal transfer of EVs molecules in NB remains largely unknown. We report the analysis of NB-derived EVs in bioengineered models of NB that are based on a collagen 1/hyaluronic acid scaffold designed to mimic the native tumor niche. Using these models, we observed an enrichment of GLI1 and EZH2 mRNAs in NB-derived EVs. As a consequence of the uptake of NB-derived EVs, the host cells increased the expression levels of GLI1 and EZH2. These results suggest the alteration of the expression profile of stromal cells through an EV-based mechanism, and point the GLI1 and EZH2 mRNAs in the EV cargo as diagnostic biomarkers in NB.

Fine-Needle Aspiration Diagnosis of Lymphoma Based on Cytomorphology Alone: How Accurate is it? - A Cyto-Histopathology Correlative Study

Context:

Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a rapid and accurate first-line diagnostic modality in lymphadenopathy.

Aims:

To determine the utility of FNAC for the diagnosis of lymphoma and highlight the various pitfalls in morphological interpretation.

Settings and Design:

This was a retrospective study of 3 years duration in which cytology diagnosis was compared with the follow-up histopathology diagnosis wherever available.

Results:

A cytodiagnosis of lymphoma was made in a total of 868 cases (2.8%) out of nearly 33,000 FNAC performed during the study period; 556 (64.1%) cases were diagnosed as non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), 198 (22.8%) as Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), and in 114 (13.1%) cases, a cytological diagnosis of lymphoma without further categorization was given. Histopathological reports were available in 348 cases, with an overall concordance rate of 93.1% (324), which was slightly higher in the HL cases (95.8%) as compared to NHL (91.7%). Twenty-four cases (6.9%) showed discordant cytological diagnosis with subsequent histopathology. The main reasons for the erroneous diagnosis were the over-interpretation of the germinal center cells as atypical lymphoid cells, over-interpretation of immunoblasts with prominent nucleoli as Hodgkin cells, and sheets of monomorphic lymphoid cells interpreted as low-grade lymphoma.

Conclusion:

Cytomorphology alone can make a correct basic diagnosis of lymphoma with a high degree of accuracy. The errors in interpretation can be further reduced by careful attention to the diagnostic pitfalls and common differential diagnoses.

Doing More with Less: Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in Pediatric Neoplasms

Background:

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the pediatric age group following infections. Among the diagnostic modalities, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is increasingly recognized as it permits rapid diagnosis with low cost and complication. In this study, we emphasize the diagnostic value of FNAC and describe the cytomorphological spectrum of tumors diagnosed on FNAC in pediatric patients with or without the aid of ancillary tests.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective study included a total of 614 patients under the age of 15 years for whom fine needle aspiration (FNA) was done during a period of 3 years with or without guidance. The cytology smears were reviewed, and the morphological spectrum was analyzed with the ancillary studies.

Results:

Aspirates from children constituted around 3.5% of the total FNAC performed in our Institute. Of the 614 cases, 336 were male, and 278 were female with age under 15 years. Neoplastic cases constituted around 72%, which included benign (2%) and malignant (98%) tumors. The spectrum include hematolymphoid neoplasms in 39.3%, small round cell tumors (SRCT) in 24.9%, Wilms tumor in 9.2%, germ cell tumors in 4.8%, spindle cell neoplasms in 4.8%, hepatoblastoma in 3.2%, and osteosarcoma in 3% of the cases. The metastatic lesions constituted 8.1% of the cases diagnosed by FNA.

Conclusion:

FNA proves to be a reliable and efficien modality in diagnosing pediatric neoplasms in the hands of a skilled cytopathologist.

Flow Cytometry Immunophenotyping for Diagnostic Orientation and Classification of Pediatric Cancer Based on the EuroFlow Solid Tumor Orientation Tube (STOT)

Simple Summary

Pediatric solid tumors are a heterogenous group of diseases that comprise ≈ 40% of all pediatric cancers, early diagnosis being key for improved survival. Here we designed, tested, and validated a single eight-color tube for the diagnostic screening of pediatric cancer—solid tumor orientation tube (STOT)—based on multiparameter flow cytometry vs. conventional diagnostic procedures. Prospective clinical validation of STOT in 149 samples (63 tumor mass, 38 bone marrow, 30 lymph node, and 18 body fluid samples) screened for pediatric cancer, apart from 26 blood specimens that were excluded from analysis, showed concordant results with the final WHO/ICCC-3 diagnosis in 138/149 cases (92.6%). This included correct diagnostic orientation by STOT in 43/44 (98%) malignant and 4/4 (100%) benign non-hematopoietic tumors, together with 28/38 (74%) leukemia/lymphoma cases. The only recurrently missed diagnosis was Hodgkin lymphoma (0/8), which would require additional markers. These results support the use of STOT as a complementary tool for fast and accurate diagnostic screening, orientation, and classification of pediatric cancer in suspicious patients.

Abstract

Early diagnosis of pediatric cancer is key for adequate patient management and improved outcome. Although multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) has proven of great utility in the diagnosis and classification of hematologic malignancies, its application to non-hematopoietic pediatric tumors remains limited. Here we designed and prospectively validated a new single eight-color antibody combination—solid tumor orientation tube, STOT—for diagnostic screening of pediatric cancer by MFC. A total of 476 samples (139 tumor mass, 138 bone marrow, 86 lymph node, 58 peripheral blood, and 55 other body fluid samples) from 296 patients with diagnostic suspicion of pediatric cancer were analyzed by MFC vs. conventional diagnostic procedures. STOT was designed after several design–test–evaluate–redesign cycles based on a large panel of monoclonal antibody combinations tested on 301 samples. In its final version, STOT consists of a single 8-color/12-marker antibody combination (CD99-CD8/_numyogenin/CD4-EpCAM/CD56/GD2/_smCD3-CD19/_cyCD3-CD271/CD45). Prospective validation of STOT in 149 samples showed concordant results with the patient WHO/ICCC-3 diagnosis in 138/149 cases (92.6%). These included: 63/63 (100%) reactive/disease-free samples, 43/44 (98%) malignant and 4/4 (100%) benign non-hematopoietic tumors together with 28/38 (74%) leukemia/lymphoma cases; the only exception was Hodgkin lymphoma that required additional markers to be stained. In addition, STOT allowed accurate discrimination among the four most common subtypes of malignant CD45⁻ CD56⁺⁺ non-hematopoietic solid tumors: 13/13 (GD2⁺⁺ _numyogenin⁻ CD271^−/+ _nuMyoD1⁻ CD99⁻ EpCAM⁻) neuroblastoma samples, 5/5 (GD2⁻ _numyogenin⁺⁺ CD271⁺⁺ _nuMyoD1⁺⁺ CD99^−/+ EpCAM⁻) rhabdomyosarcomas, 2/2 (GD2^−/+ _numyogenin⁻ CD271⁺ _nuMyoD1⁻ CD99⁺ EpCAM⁻) Ewing sarcoma family of tumors, and 7/7 (GD2⁻ _numyogenin⁻ CD271⁺ _nuMyoD1⁻ CD99⁻ EpCAM⁺) Wilms tumors. In summary, here we designed and validated a new standardized antibody combination and MFC assay for diagnostic screening of pediatric solid tumors that might contribute to fast and accurate diagnostic orientation and classification of pediatric cancer in routine clinical practice.

An Aggressive growth of cranial sarcoma

Sarcomas are a group of rare malignant tumours of the connective tissues. They can occur in almost any location, but more frequently in the extremities. The occurrence of sarcomas in the head and neck region is less than 1%. We are presenting a case report of a very large cranial sarcoma. Gross total tumour excision was done with pedicle skin graft and titanium mesh cranioplasty. The excised tumour weighed approximately 1.1 kg. Histopathological examination showed primitive intermediate-sized tumour cells arranged in sheets, nests and cords with focal palisading. Postoperative MRI done 2 weeks post surgery showed no evidence of residual tumour.

Immunocytochemistry for diagnostic cytopathology-A practical guide

Cytological specimens, which are obtained by minimally invasive methods, are an excellent source of diagnostic material. Sometimes they are the only material available for diagnosis as well as for prognostic/predictive markers. When cytomorphology is not straightforward, ancillary tests may be required for a definitive diagnosis to guide clinical management. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) is the most common and practical ancillary tool used to reach a diagnosis when cytomorphology is equivocal, to differentiate entities with overlapping morphological features, and to determine the cell lineage and the site of origin of a metastatic neoplasm. Numerous immunomarkers are available, and some are expressed in multiple neoplasms. To rule out entities within a differential diagnosis, the use of more than one marker, sometimes panels, is necessary. ICC panels for diagnostic purposes should be customised based on the clinical context and cytomorphology, and the markers should be used judiciously to preserve material for additional tests for targeted therapies in the appropriate setting. This review offers a practical guide for the use of ICC for diagnostic cytopathology, covering the most commonly encountered non-hematolymphoid diagnostic scenarios in various body sites.

Spindle cell tumour with thymus-like differentiation (SETTLE) on fine needle aspiration cytology: A case report highlighting diagnostic pitfalls

A 7-year-old girl presented with a painless neck swelling localised near the left lobe of the thyroid gland, which was initially investigated by fine needle aspiration cytology. This raised a differential diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma and small round blue cell tumour. Only after several additional clinical investigations and a total thyroidectomy was a definitive diagnosis of spindle cell tumour with thymus-like differentiation (SETTLE) reached. This case report highlights how contemporaneous clinical and investigation findings made arriving at a definitive diagnosis challenging, contributed to diagnostic delay, and ultimately influenced choice of treatment.

The role of SYT-SSX fusion gene in tumorigenesis of synovial sarcoma

Synovial sarcoma (SS) is an aggressive malignancy of an unknown tissue origin that is characterized by biphasic differentiation. A possible basis of the pathogenesis of SS is pathognomonic t(X;18) (p11.2; q11.2) translocation, leading to the formation and expression of the SYT-SSX fusion gene. More than a quarter of the patients die of SS metastasis within 5 years after the diagnosis, but the pathogenic factors are unknown. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore the pathogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and clinical treatment options for SS, especially molecular-targeted drug therapy. Recent studies have shown that the SYT-SSX fusion gene associated with SS may be regulated by different signaling pathways, microRNAs, and other molecules, which may produce stem cell characteristics or promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition, resulting in SS invasion and metastasis. This review article aims to show the relationship between the SYT-SSX fusion gene and the related pathway molecules as well as other molecules involved from different perspectives, which may provide a deeper and clearer understanding of the SYT-SSX fusion gene function. Therefore, this review may provide a more innovative and broader perspective of the current research, treatment options, and prognosis assessment of SS.

Epidemiology, incidence, and survival of synovial sarcoma subtypes: SEER database analysis

BACKGROUND

Synovial sarcoma (SyS) is a rare malignancy that is typically located on the limbs and occurs predominantly in adolescents. A study in a large population for SyS comparing subtypes has not yet been reported.

METHODS

National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was queried for patients diagnosed with SyS between January 1975 and December 2016. Patients were classified demographically according to gender, age, race/ethnicity, and marital status, and they were also classified by tumors, subtypes, localization, grade, year of diagnosis, laterality, type of treatment, and follow-up results.

RESULTS

A total of 3228 patients were included, with a mean age of 39.3 ± 18.8 (range: 1-94), of which 1521 (47.1%) were females and 1707 (52.9%) were males. According to its subtypes, 47.2% were SyS not otherwise specified, 32.3% were spindle cell, 19.9% were biphasic, and 0.6% were epithelioid type. The overall survival period is 138.0 (95% confidence interval: 113.2-162.8) months. Survival duration was found to be significantly different between groups according to gender (log-rank test; p < 0.001), age groups (log-rank test; p < 0.001), race (log-rank test; p = 0.001), marital status (log-rank test; p < 0.001), tumor subtypes (log-rank test; p < 0.001), tumor location (log-rank test; p < 0.001), tumor laterality (log-rank test; p < 0.001), date of diagnosis (log-rank test; p = 0.025), tumor grade (log-rank test; p < 0.001), historic stage (log-rank test; p < 0.001), state of chemotherapy (log-rank test; p < 0.001), state of radiotherapy (log-rank test; p < 0.001), presence of metastasis (log-rank test; p < 0.001), and total number of malignant tumors (log-rank test; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Male gender, being colored individual, being over 35 years at the time of diagnosis, epithelioid type, non-head and neck region localization is associated with poor prognosis. While radiotherapy improves survival, benefit of chemotherapy is unclear.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III retrospective analysis.

Prognostic Gene Expression, Stemness and Immune Microenvironment in Pediatric Tumors

Simple Summary

Tumors in children and young adults are rare and diagnostically distinct from those occurring in older patients. They frequently arise from developing cells, resembling stem cells, which may explain some of the clinical and biologic differences observed. The aim of this retrospective transcriptome study was to investigate the prognostic landscape, immune tumor microenvironment (TME) and stemness in a cohort of 4068 transcriptomes of such tumors. We find that patients’ prognosis correlates with distinct gene expression patterns similar to adult tumor types. Stemness defined by a computational stemness score (mRNAsi) correlates with clinical and molecular parameters that is distinct for each tumor type. In Wilms tumors that recapitulate normal kidney development microscopically, stemness correlates with distinct patterns of immune cell infiltration by transcriptome analysis and by cell localization in tumor tissue.

Abstract

Pediatric tumors frequently arise from embryonal cells, often displaying a stem cell-like (“small round blue”) morphology in tissue sections. Because recently “stemness” has been associated with a poor immune response in tumors, we investigated the association of prognostic gene expression, stemness and the immune microenvironment systematically using transcriptomes of 4068 tumors occurring mostly at the pediatric and young adult age. While the prognostic landscape of gene expression (PRECOG) and infiltrating immune cell types (CIBERSORT) is similar to that of tumor entities occurring mainly in adults, the patterns are distinct for each diagnostic entity. A high stemness score (mRNAsi) correlates with clinical and morphologic subtype in Wilms tumors, neuroblastomas, synovial sarcomas, atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors and germ cell tumors. In neuroblastomas, a high mRNAsi is associated with shortened overall survival. In Wilms tumors a high mRNAsi correlates with blastemal morphology, whereas tumors with predominant epithelial or stromal differentiation have a low mRNAsi and a high percentage of M2 type macrophages. This could be validated in Wilms tumor tissue (n = 78). Here, blastemal areas are low in M2 macrophage infiltrates, while nearby stromal differentiated areas contain abundant M2 macrophages, suggesting local microanatomic regulation of the immune response.

Pericardial metastasis from alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma: A case report

Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) commonly occurring in children and adolescents, is a rare and aggressive soft tissue malignancy demonstrating rapid growth and dissemination. Although their histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings are well known, cytomorphological features on serous effusions have not been well documented. A case of metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma diagnosed on cytological examination of the pericardial fluid cytology and discuss the diagnostic difficulties that were encountered in this case has been presented.

Mediastinal Anaplastic Ependymoma

Ependymomas arise from ependymal cells and can grow at any site in the central nervous system (CNS), as well as in some locations outside of the CNS. The latter is rare, contributing to the frequent misdiagnoses of such cases. Herein, we present the case of a 54-year-old man with a history of lower limb weakness and numbness. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an extradural, heterogeneously enhanced solid lesion with a regular and well-defined border in the posterior mediastinum. A post-resection histopathological examination revealed tumor-forming perivascular pseudo-rosettes that showed immunoreactivity against glial fibrillary acidic protein, epithelial membrane antigen, and vimentin, as well as a high Ki-67 labeling index. Based on pathological features, a diagnosis of anaplastic ependymoma was established.

Development and Validation of the Nomograms for Predicting Overall Survival and Cancer-Specific Survival in Patients With Synovial Sarcoma

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to build and validate practical nomograms to predict overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) for patients with synovial sarcoma (SyS).

METHODS

A total of 893 eligible patients confirmed to have SyS between 2007 and 2015 were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Patients were randomly divided into the training cohort (n = 448) and validation cohort (n = 445). Clinically independent prognostic and important factors were determined according to the Akaike information criterion in multivariate Cox regression models when developing the nomograms with the training cohort. The predictive accuracy of nomograms was bootstrapped validated internally and externally with the concordance index (C-index) and calibration curve. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to compare the clinical usefulness between nomograms and American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) staging system.

RESULTS

Two nomograms shared common indicators including age, insurance status, tumor site, tumor size, SEER stage, surgery, and radiation, while marital status and tumor site were only included into the OS nomogram. The C-index of nomograms for predicting OS and CSS was 0.819 (0.873-0.764) and 0.821 (0.876-0.766), respectively, suggesting satisfactory predictive performance. Internal and external calibration curves exhibited optimal agreement between the nomogram prediction and the actual survival. Additionally, DCA demonstrated that our nomograms had obvious superiority over the AJCC staging system with more clinical net benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

Two nomograms predicting 3- and 5-year OS and CSS of SyS patients were successfully constructed and validated for the first time, with higher predictive accuracy and clinical values than the AJCC staging system regarding OS and CSS.

Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of breast, pleura, and retroperitoneum diagnosed from pleural fluid cytology

Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) is a malignant small blue round cell tumor which is commonly seen in head and neck region. Breast and pleural involvement are uncommon. Rhabdomyosarcoma has been rarely reported in the body fluids like ascitic, pleural, and cerebrospinal fluid. In this article, we report an interesting case of ERMS which had deceptive small blue round cells in pleural fluid. The cytomorphological features along with a panel of immunocytochemical markers helped in arriving at the definite diagnosis. Later, biopsy from the breast lump and retroperitoneal mass also revealed the same tumor. This case is reported since it is rare to find sarcoma cells in pleural fluid and highlight the diagnostic difficulties faced during interpretation.

Primary Intrathoracic Sarcomas: A Review of Cross-sectional Imaging and Pathology

The most common sarcomas in the thorax are metastasis from an extrathoracic primary malignancy. Primary intrathoracic sarcomas are rare albeit aggressive malignancies that are diagnosed on histopathology. Although a few imaging characteristics have been described that are common to sarcomas, it is still a diagnosis of exclusion as other tumors are much more common. Like elsewhere, primary thoracic sarcomas are also classified according to their histologic features. They are a rare group of tumors that can arise from the mediastinal structures, lung, pleura, or chest wall. On imaging, differentiating these from more common malignancies like lung cancer is difficult and often requires multimodality workup and tissue sampling. A few sarcomas are very specific to their locations, such as angiosarcoma in the right atrium, leiomyosarcoma in the pulmonary artery, where imaging has high accuracy for the diagnosis. Despite being nonspecific in a majority of cases, imaging plays a pivotal role in determining the organ of origin, tumor extent, invasion of adjacent structures, and thus help to assess the surgical resectability. Although sarcomas arising from chest wall are the most common primary sarcomas in the chest, they are excluded from this review to focus only on primary intrathoracic sarcomas. The article provides a comprehensive imaging and pathology review of the rare primary intrathoracic sarcomas, including but not limited to angiosarcoma, Kaposi sarcoma, fibrosarcoma, malignant transformation of fibrous tumor of pleura, sarcomatoid mesothelioma, leiomyosarcoma, and malignant small round blue cell tumors.Key points:Primary intrathoracic sarcomas are rare but clinically important.Imaging helps to determine local extent, invasion, metastases and appropriate site/mode of biopsy.Role of pathology is paramount in diagnosis and guiding treatment based on immunogenetic/molecular typing.

Primary synovial sarcomas in the paediatric and young adult population: A pictorial review

PURPOSE

To present a pictorial essay of paediatric primary synovial sarcomas from common and less documented anatomical locations. To review the literature for the imaging characteristics and prognostic factors of this rare but important childhood malignancy.

METHOD

24 primary synovial sarcoma cases (17 male, 7 female with an age range 4-21 years) were reviewed in a collaborative effort between St Jude Children's Research Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. Images from 19 cases were selected for inclusion, to demonstrate the spectrum of appearances across imaging modalities, in a range of different anatomical locations (upper limb, lower limb, chest/abdomen/pelvis, and head and neck). A literature review depicting the typical radiological features and the prognostic significance of these features, was also conducted.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Primary synovial sarcoma can occur in any anatomical location, but typically within the extremities and often in close association with joints. Rarer anatomical locations described in our essay include the gastrohepatic ligament and femoral nerve sheath. We detail the salient imaging characteristics, including the T2 'triple signal' pattern which is believed to be highly specific for this particular sarcoma and in many cases predicts a poor outcome. Other poor prognostic factors include haemorrhage, lack of calcification and tumour size >10 cm. A broad range of radiological appearances are described, and in some cases related to anatomical position and size, however the presence of a soft tissue mass close to a joint in a young patient are suggestive of this diagnosis.

Primary Renal Ewing Sarcoma in Children and Young Adults

The Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT) are high-grade small round blue cell malignancies traditionally presenting in children and adolescents. The most common site of primary disease is bone, though extraskeletal primary sites are well-recognized. We present 6 cases of primary ESFT of the kidney and 1 case of the adrenal gland. Patients were 11 to 18 years of age at diagnosis. Metastases at diagnosis were present in most cases (n=6). All patients underwent surgery, and most received radiation (n=5). Five patients relapsed after initial remission. Comprehensive review of the primary renal ESFT literature was used to analyze various factors, including age, sex, disease metrics, metastases at diagnoses, and overall survival in a total of 362 cases. Notably, while the general ESFT population has reported rates of metastasis at diagnosis of 20% to 25%, this rate in the renal ESFT population was 53% with a rate of 59% in adolescent and young-adult patients (11 to 24 y). Nodal disease at diagnosis was present in 24% of renal ESFT cases compared with 3.2% in patients with primary skeletal ESFT. While this malignant process may share histologic and molecular features with its bone and soft tissue counterparts, primary renal ESFT presentations seem to be more aggressive and have worse outcomes.

An Unusual Case of Synovial Sarcoma with Breast Metastasis: Findings on Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography

Synovial sarcomas are aggressive soft-tissue tumors with the propensity for metastases at presentation or later course of disease. The most common site of metastases is lung, followed by lymph node and bone. It rarely metastasizes to the liver and to the brain. Breast metastases from extramammary tissue are extremely rare, more so from synovial sarcoma. ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography–computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) plays a very important role in diagnosing occult metastasis in sarcomas. Histopathological diagnosis and translocation studies are important to confirm the diagnosis. We present a case of synovial sarcoma who underwent ¹⁸FDG PET/CT which showed occult metastasis to the breast.