Myoepithelioma of soft tissue in the gluteal region: Diagnostic pitfall in cytology

Diagnostic and Predictive Immunocytochemistry in Head and Neck Lesions

BACKGROUND

The application of immunocytochemistry (ICC) as a diagnostic and predictive tool in the workup of head and neck lesions has followed the changes and progresses in the surgical pathology evaluation. The contribution of ICC has shown a significant role in head and neck cytology, demonstrating as its contribution can support the diagnosis of many lesions. Furthermore, its role has been evolving as an important adjuvant tool in targeted therapies. An additional useful role is defined by the recent introduction of ICC markers related to genetic alterations, which has opened the door to the adoption of a surrogate for molecular evaluation also on cytological material.

SUMMARY

The current review article analyzes the role of ICC in the field of head and neck cytology, showing that it might represent a valid diagnostic tool in difficult cases. The review will include all the different head and neck lesions, demonstrating how we could rely on organ-specific ICC markers but also on ICC markers able to discriminate between benign and malignant lesions.

KEY MESSAGES

The role of ICC represents a valid additional tool in the management of several difficult lesions, especially when morphology alone is not able to make a conclusive diagnosis. The support of ICC is likely to support the morphological findings leading to the definition of the diagnosis and the most appropriate management.

Adenocarcinoma admixed with neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix: A case report and review of literature

A 40-year-old Ethiopian woman presented with a six-month history of non-foul-smelling whitish vaginal discharge. She also reported a one-year history of postcoital bleeding. A pelvic examination revealed a nodular, hard, and fragile cervical mass. In addition, there were nontender, firm nodules in the epigastric, periumbilical, gluteal areas, and thyroid gland. Investigations, including abdominopelvic ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, fine-needle aspiration cytology, and immunohistochemistry, confirmed mixed neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix with metastasis to the abdominal wall, gluteal area, lumbar vertebrae, and thyroid gland. The patient was started on palliative chemotherapy. Metastatic adenocarcinoma admixed with neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix presents a formidable disease phenotype, characterized by complex diagnostic and therapeutic obstacles. Multidisciplinary cooperation among oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and surgeons is required to refine treatment approaches and improve patient prognoses for this uncommon and intricate malignancy.