Peritoneal mesotheliomas mimicking adnexal tumors. Clinicopathological characteristics of four cases and a short literature review

Three cases of peritoneal benign cystic mesotheliomas in women 32-34 years of age and one case of peritoneal malignant mesothelioma in a 47-year-old woman are reported. All cases presented with abdominal discomfort and/or pain and the physical and radiological diagnostic methods showed adnexal tumors. The cystic mesotheliomas developed in the cul-de-sac and the right pelvic sidewall, presented as multiple small cysts or large multilocular cystic mass. The malignant mesothelioma showed extensive infiltration of the omentum the intestinal loops and the surface of the uterus and adnexa, with bilateral hydrosalpinx and ascites. All cases presented histological and immunohistochemical characteristics consistent with tumors of mesothelial origin. No history of asbestos exposure was reported. The correct diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to these neoplasms are discussed.

Epithelial ovarian tumors in adolescents: a retrospective pathologic study and a critical review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to further evaluate the pathologic features of epithelial ovarian neoplasms and their relative frequency among all ovarian tumors in the adolescent population.

DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective pathologic study of all cases of epithelial ovarian neoplasms in adolescents (aged 11-19 years) diagnosed in the pathology laboratory of our hospital over the past 25 years.

RESULTS

A total of 86 ovarian tumors were identified, including 23 epithelium-derived ovarian neoplasms (26.7%), 53 germ cell tumors (61.6%), 9 sex-cord stromal tumors (10.5%) and 1 benign Brenner tumor (1.2%). Most cases of epithelial tumors were found in patients 17 years of age or older (14/23 cases, 60.9%). All tumors were unilateral, and their size ranged from 2.5-21 cm (mean 11.7 cm). Epithelial tumors were further histologically subtyped into 21 benign cystadenomas (14 serous and 7 mucinous) and 2 mucinous borderline tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

A relatively high frequency of epithelial ovarian neoplasms among all ovarian tumors in a purely adolescent population was found in our study. Age-related selection bias may account at least in part for the discrepancy between our data and most previous reports. The most common subtype of epithelial ovarian tumor in our series was the benign serous cystadenoma.

Angiomyofibroblastoma of the vulva: a clinicopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of a rare benign mesenchymal tumor

Angiomyofibroblastoma is a rare benign distinctive mesenchymal tumor that occurs in the genital pelviperineal region, commonly the vulva and vagina. We report a case of angiomyofibroblastoma in a 42-year-old woman, presenting as a "cystic mass" located subcutaneously in the right labial area of the vulva. Recognition of this entity is based on specific histological and immunopathological features, and the correct treatment is important because of the aggressive behavior of other related mesenchymal tumors of the vulva and vagina, such as angiomyxoma and cellular angiofibroma.

A rare ovarian Leydig cell tumor (hilar type) causing virilization in a postmenopausal woman

All patients with virilization signs, increased levels of androgen hormones and rapidly progressive hirsutism should be evaluated for an androgen-producing tumor. The ovarian origin of virilization can be suspected by the presence of elevated levels of circulating androgens, with normal levels of cortisol metabolites and a negative dexamethasone suppression test. A case report of a 50-year-old postmenopausal patient with rapidly progressive hirsutism is presented. After an extensive preoperative investigation a right oophorectomy was performed and a Leydig-hilus cell tumor was diagnosed.

Gossypiboma: a rare abdominal lesion of women after cesarean section, usually misdiagnosed as a neoplasm

The case of a 20-year-old pregnant woman with a history of one previous cesarean section (CS) who developed a tumorous mass in the area of the CS scar is presented. The clinical diagnosis of endometriosis or fibromatosis was made but the histologic findings were confusing and the pathological diagnosis of an inflammatory type of liposarcoma was made. The case was referred to our Laboratory for re-evaluation and the diagnosis of gossypiboma was made based on histopathological features, the patient's age, her medical history and the exact location of the lesion. Gossypiboma is a foreign body-related inflammatory pseudotumor caused by retained non-resorbable or even resorbable substances, such as glue, surgical gause or sutures. It is an obscure lesion ignored by doctors of all specialties studying the differential diagnosis of a postoperative mass.

Virilizing ovarian Krukenberg tumor in a 27-year-old pregnant woman. A case report and literature review

A case is reported of a 27-year-old pregnant woman with ovarian tumors, measuring 12 cm and 11.5 cm in the greatest diameter, discovered during investigation for virilization symptoms. Termination of the pregnancy at the 22nd week of gestation and tumorectomy with both adnexa were performed, with the provisional diagnosis of arrhenoblastoma. Pathological examination of the tumors showed typical Krukenberg neoplasms and subsequent upper GI tract endoscopy revealed a gastric cancer that was excised. The pathological examination revealed a diffuse type gastric adenocarcinoma with signet ring morphology, similar to ovarian tumors. In any case of ovarian tumor with unusual hormonal manifestations, in addition to hormonally active sex cord-stromal neoplasms, metastatic ovarian tumors must be considered as well, especially in cases of bilateral tumors.

Cervical adenocarcinoma with clear cell morphology. report of six cases and literature review

Clear cell cervical adenocarcinoma (CCA) is a rather rare malignancy of the genital tract. We report six cases of CCA, diagnosed in our laboratory during a 15-year period: five patients with sporadic primary CCA and one young patient with CCA and a history of in utero exposure to DES. The possible DES exposure, clinicopathological findings as well as the differential diagnosis and the the prognosis of such patients are presented in a mini-review of the literature.

Granulosa cell tumors of the ovary: a clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of 21 cases

PURPOSE

To further study the clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features of ovarian granulosa cell tumors (GCTs).

METHODS

We retrospectively studied all cases of GCTs diagnosed in our laboratory over the last 10-year period. Immunohistochemistry for inhibin, vimentin, cytokeratin, Ki-67 and p53 was performed on archival paraffin blocks. Pathologic and immunohistochemical findings were correlated with the clinical records of the patients.

RESULTS

Twenty-one cases (15 of the adult and 6 of the juvenile type) were retrieved. All patients were FIGO Stage I at the time of diagnosis. Recurrent disease was detected in four patients (19%) during a median follow-up of 36 months (range 2-26 years). Pathology revealed a concomitant theca-cell component in three cases, a Sertoli-Leydig component in one case, and a thecoma in one case. Archival tissue material was available in 12 cases. Immunohistochemistry was positive for: beta-inhibin in 12/12 cases (100%), vimentin in 11/12 cases (91.7%), cytokeratin in 3/12 cases (25%), CD34 in 0 cases (0%), and p53 in 2/12 cases (16.7%). The Ki-67 index was < 5% in 12/12 cases (100%). No significant correlations were observed between the pathologic and immunohistochemical parameters examined and the clinical outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the relatively indolent nature and favorable prognosis of most GCTs, late recurrences are not a rare event even in Stage I patients, necessitating a close and long-term follow-up. The identification of novel prognostic markers, in addition to our traditional staging parameters such as clinical staging, is needed in order to more accurately predict probabilities of recurrence in these patients.

Granular cell tumor of the female genital system. Clinical and pathologic characteristics of five cases and literature review

The clinical and pathological characteristics of a rare granular cell tumor that developed in the vulva (4 cases) and the breast (1 case) offive women aged 35-52 years are reported. The differential diagnosis from skin carcinomas, melanoma and various soft tissue tumors is emphasized.

Synchronous ovarian and endometrial carcinoma: a strong link to endometriosis?

PURPOSE

To further study the clinicopathological features of synchronous ovarian and endometrial carcinomas.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied all cases of synchronous ovarian and endometrial carcinomas diagnosed in our laboratory over the last 15-year period. The pathological findings were correlated with the clinical records of the patients.

RESULTS

Seven cases of synchronous primary ovarian and endometrial carcinomas were retrieved. The most common presenting symptom was abnormal vaginal bleeding (5 cases, 71.4%). Five patients (71.4%) were postmenopausal and two (28.6%) were nulliparous. All seven patients had Stage I ovarian and endometrial carcinomas of endometrioid histology. Moreover, in all seven ovarian carcinomas endometriosis foci were observed, while atypical endometriosis was found in four of them. With the exception of one patient, who received adjuvant postoperative radiation, all remaining patients were treated with surgery alone. All patients were alive and free of disease at completion of the study.

CONCLUSION

The correct classification of synchronous primary ovarian and endometrial carcinomas is often problematic because of the frequent confusion with their metastatic counterparts. Although the exact etiology remains unclear, endometriosis seems to be a major risk factor for their development.

Vaginal cysts: a common pathologic entity revisited

PURPOSE

To further study the clinicopathological features of benign vaginal cysts.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied all cases of benign vaginal cysts diagnosed in our laboratory over the last decade. Pathological findings were correlated with the clinical records of the patients and histochemistry results.

RESULTS

Forty cases of benign vaginal cysts were retrieved. There were 12 cases of mullerian cysts (30.0%), 11 cases of Bartholin's duct cysts (27.5%), ten cases of epidermal inclusion cysts (25.0%), five cases of Gartner's duct cysts (12.5%), one endometrioid cyst (2.5%) and one unclassified cyst (2.5%). Patient age ranged from 20 to 75 years with a mean of 35 years, and a peak incidence between 31-40 years (13 cases, 32.5%). The majority of patients were asymptomatic (31 cases, 77.5%). The cyst type which was more frequently associated with symptoms was Bartholin's duct cyst. Most lesions were located in the left-lateral vaginal wall (13 cases, 32.50%). Mullerian cysts were lined by columnar endocervical-like or cuboidal epithelium, whereas Gartner's duct cysts were all lined by cuboidal epithelium. Epidermal inclusion cysts were lined by stratified non-keratinizing squamous epithelium. Bartholin's duct cysts were lined by transitional, mucin-rich columnar or squamous epithelium and were frequently accompanied by inflammation.

CONCLUSION

Benign vaginal cysts are in the majority of cases asymptomatic and are often incidentally discovered during gynecological examination for other purposes. The differential diagnosis between Mullerian and Gartner's duct cysts requires histochemical evaluation of epithelial mucin production. The pathogenesis of most types of vaginal cysts remains to be clarified.

Congenital cystic adenomatoid lung malformation: report of two cases and literature review

Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformations of the fetal lung (CCAM) are rare embryonic developmental abnormalities. They are considered as benign hamartomatous or dysplastic lung tumors characterized by overgrowth of the terminal respiratory bronchioles at the expense of the saccular spaces. A minority of cases may not be identified by prenatal imaging techniques and the pulmonary lesions are recognized postnatally. Two cases of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the fetal lung diagnosed in our institution during the last four years are reported. The ultrasonographic and pathologic findings of these cases are discussed.

Primary gestational choriocarcinoma of the uterine cervix. Report of a case and review of the literature

Gestational choriocarcinoma usually arises in the uterine cavity and is associated with coincident or antecedent pregnancy. Extrauterine choriocarcinomas are very rare entities, and most of these are located in the uterine cervix. In our case, a 43-year-old woman was admitted in our hospital because she had amenorrhea for 2 months and elevated serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels. The patient was considered to have an ectopic pregnancy. Initially, she was treated with methotrexate, but since there was a continuous rise in human chorionic gonadotropin levels, the patient underwent a laparoscopy, along with dilatation and curettage (D&C) of the uterine cavity. Histopathologic findings, including immunohistochemical study, led to the diagnosis of choriocarcinoma of the cervix. Finally, the patient underwent a transabdominal hysterectomy and received single agent chemotherapy with methotrexate. Our case represents a primary choriocarcinoma of the cervix, which was initially misdiagnosed as an ectopic pregnancy. The difficulties in differential diagnosis are discussed. Immunohistochemical evaluation remains the mainstay of the diagnosis in most cases. Choriocarcinoma has a very good prognosis even in advanced stages, since it is a very chemosensitive tumor.

A malignant eccrine poroma in a pregnant woman: case report and review of the literature

Malignant eccrine poroma is a rare cutaneous neoplasm that originates from the intraepidermal portion of the eccrine gland. It affects mainly elderly people while its occurrence in younger adults is extremely rare. We present the first reported case of a malignant eccrine poroma in a pregnant woman, with emphasis on its pathologic and immunohistochemical features. Early diagnosis and treatment of eccrine neoplasms are of crucial importance when pregnancy coexists, because of their tendency to aggravate under the influence of gestation-related changes.

Malignant paraganglioma of the urinary bladder in a 44-year-old female: clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of a rare entity and literature review

Paraganglioma of the urinary bladder is a rare pathologic entity with no definitive histological, immunohistochemical or molecular features to determine its malignant potency. Malignancy is essentially determined by the presence of deep local invasion, invasion of adjacent structures, and lymph node or distant metastases. So far, up to 180 cases of paraganglioma have been reported, with less than 30 being malignant. We present a case of malignant paraganglioma of the urinary bladder in a 44-year-old woman. The patient's symptoms were painless hematuria and micturitional headache. The tumor presented the characteristic "zellballen" pattern of growth and immunohistochemically was positive for all neuroendocrine markers. The patient underwent partial cystectomy and the following two postoperative years were uneventful. The literature on paraganglioma of the urinary bladder, analyzing the histological, immunohistochemical and molecular characteristics, is reviewed.

Ovarian neoplasm composed of an insular carcinoid tumor and a borderline mucinous cystadenoma arising in a mature cystic teratoma: a case report

We report the case of a 57-year-old female patient with an ovarian neoplasm of insular carcinoid and mucinous cystadenoma of low malignant potential, arising in a cystic teratoma of the right ovary. Additionally, a mature teratoma of the left ovary was present. This is an extremely rare combination of primary tumors in the ovary. The possible common histogenesis of the afore-mentioned tumors is discussed.

Mesenchymal tumors of the uterine corpus with heterologous and hematopoietic components: a study of ten cases and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

To study the histopathological features of mesenchymal tumors of the uterine corpus with heterologous and hematopoietic components, and review their histogenesis and differential diagnosis from other neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions.

METHODS

Ten cases of mesenchymal tumors of the uterine corpus, massively infiltrated by hematopoioetic cells, or composed of other benign heterologous elements (adipose tissue in the present cases) were retrieved from the archival files of our laboratory and studied histopathologically. Immunohistochemistry was applied in selected cases.

RESULTS

Six of our studied cases were diagnosed as leiomyomas, two as lipoleiomyomas, one as a symplastic lipoleiomyoma, and one as an endometrial stromal tumor. The leiomyomas were massively infiltrated by lymphocytes (5 cases) or eosinophils (one case). Immunohistochemical study of the leiomyomas with massive lymphocytic infiltration revealed the presence of a predominantly B-cell population within the infiltrate, which was polyclonal in nature. The endometrial stromal tumor was severely infiltrated by histiocytes, and was positive for vimentin, CD10, PgR and negative for actin, desmin, ER and caldesmon.

CONCLUSION

The presence of hematopoietic or heterologous elements within an otherwise bland uterine leiomyoma or endometrial stromal tumor may give rise to diagnostic difficulties. Regularity of the tumor margins, low mitotic activity and absence of nuclear atypia or necrosis should be established for the exclusion of a malignancy. In the presence of massive lymphocytic infiltration of a leiomyoma the clonality of the infiltrate may aid in differentiating it from a malignant lymphoma. The pathogenesis and clinical significance of these rare neoplasms remain to be clarified.

Ovarian mucinous cystadenoma with extended calcification in an 11-year-old girl: case report and review of the literature

The majority of ovarian masses in childhood and adolescence are non-epithelial in origin, with a predominance of germ cell tumors, while epithelial neoplasms comprise a small proportion of the total (approximately 15-20%). Mucinous cystadenomas in particular are only sporadically reported in this age group. We present a case of an ovarian mucinous cystadenoma with extended calcification in a premenarchal 11-year-old girl. Pediatric mucinous cystadenomas of the ovary may on rare occasions display extended calcification. Careful evaluation of the remaining pathological features of the tumor is needed in order to avoid misinterpreting this relatively non-specific finding as a feature of malignancy.

Clinicopathological features of unusual vascular lesions of the pelvis, retroperitoneum and colon in females: a report of five cases and review of the literature

Vascular lesions comprise benign and malignant neoplasms as well as non-neoplastic conditions that may be located in various sites but only rarely in the pelvis or the retroperitoneum. In our study we describe five diverse and unusual cases of vascular lesions of the pelvis, retroperitoneum and colon in female patients: a case of retroperitoneal angiosarcoma, pelvic hemangioendothelioma, pelvic angiomyxoma, retroperitoneal lymphangioleiomyomatosis and a case of diffuse cavernous hemangiomatosis of the colon, with emphasis on their clinicopathological features and differential diagnosis. The recent literature on the subject is also briefly reviewed.

A large benign vascular neoplasm of the male breast. A case report and review of the literature

Breast hemangiomas are extremely rare neoplasms in the male population. We report a case of a 77-year old man with a breast hemangioma which was detected in physical examination as a small nodule ten years after a chest injury. The final histological diagnosis was hemangioma of the breast, 6 cm in the largest diameter. To our knowledge, this is the largest benign vascular breast neoplasm in a male patient reported up to date. The mammographic and pathologic findings in this case are presented. The rarity of the lesion and its differential diagnosis from angiosarcoma are discussed while the problems encountered in the correct diagnosis and classification of this tumor are also presented. The need for extreme caution in the interpretation of the histological characteristics of all palpable vascular tumors of the breast is emphasized.

Ectopic decidua mimicking metastatic lesions--report of three cases and review of the literature

The development of ectopic decidua is generally considered as a physiologic phenomenon of pregnancy, even though it has been occasionally noted in non-pregnant women. We present three cases of ectopic decidua located in the greater omentum and discuss the histopathologic characteristics, as well as the problems encountered in the differential diagnosis from metastatic lesions. Decidual transformation of the omentum could simulate, both grossly and microscopically, malignant neoplastic lesions such as malignant deciduoid mesothelioma, metastatic mucin-producing adenocarcinoma or even metastatic squamous carcinoma. The application of immunohistochemistry is essential for the establishment of the diagnosis, especially in the presence of deceptively atypical vacuolated cells resembling carcinoma cells. Ectopic decidua does not require any therapeutic intervention because it usually regresses postpartum without any complications.

Teratomas of the ovary: a clinico-pathological evaluation of 87 patients from one institution during a 10-year period

AIM

To present the classification and diagnostic problems encountered between teratomas and other ovarian tumors as well as with other benign entities diagnosed and treated in our institution.

METHODS

We analysed retrospectively the clinical and pathological characteristics of 87 teratomas examined in our hospital during the last ten years.

RESULTS

Teratomas constituted 5% of all ovarian tumors. The age range was from 11-69 years old (median: 35). The most frequent symptom was lower abdominal pain in 68% of patients. A pelvic mass was noted in 3% of cases. A pregnancy was present in 3% of patients. In ten cases the tumors were bilateral. Tumor size ranged from 1-16 cm in diameter (median: 7.17 cm). The treatment consisted of cystectomy in 66% of the cases, oophorectomy in 23% or hysterectomy with both adnexa in 11% of cases. Fifty-seven cases presented with a histological diagnosis of mature teratoma, biphasic or triphasic type, three cases with monodermal teratoma, ten cases with ovarian neoplasms of mixed type, 15 cases with epidermal cysts, and two cases with benign cysts. Malignant changes within the teratomas were seen in 5% cases.

CONCLUSION

Teratomas are common ovarian tumors at any age, especially during the reproductive age, with a low rate of complications and malignant transformation. The treatment should be based on patient age, fertility status, tumor size, the cystic or solid nature of the tumor and bilaterality.

A clinicopathological study of the relationship between adenomyosis and other hormone-dependent uterine lesions

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between adenomyosis, endometrial adenocarcinoma, hyperplasia and uterine leiomyomas.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

135 consecutive hysterectomy specimens showing adenomyosis and 82 consecutive cases of endometrial adenocarcinoma were studied in our laboratory in the last 5-year period. The histological sections of all cases were reviewed and in the cases with adenocarcinoma, the type of cancer, the degree of differentiation and the depth of myometrial invasion were recorded. In the adenomyosis group the presence of any other lesions, the extension of adenomyosis and the morphology of the adenomyotic glands were recorded. In ten random cases of adenomyosis, the presence of estrogens and progesterone receptors was investigated by an immunohistochemical method of peroxidase-antiperoxidase and DAB chromogen. In ten cases of this group the expression of E-cadherin was studied immunohistochemocally by an avidin-viotin method and DAB chromogen.

RESULTS

In 47/135 cases of adenomyosis adenomatous hyperplasia coexisted (34.8%) and in 86/135 cases of leiomyomas (63.7%). In 31/82 cases of adenocarcinoma there was adenomyosis as well (37.8%), in 4/82 cases malignant changes in foci of adenomyosis were observed and in 1/82 cases the malignancy arose in a focus of adenomyosis. Immunohistochemical studies showed the presence of progesterone receptors in the glandular cells of adenomyosis in 9/10 cases and of estrogen receptors in 2/10 cases. In all study cases (10/10) a positive membrane immunoreaction was observed; focal (6/10) and extensive (4/10).

CONCLUSION

The high frequency of coexistence between adenomyosis and other hormone-dependent uterine lesions is indicative of the presence of a hormonal factor in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis.

Extraovarian mullerian-type cystic tumors of the female. A report of six cases and review of the literature

Six cases of extraovarian cystic tumors of mullerian type are reported. Patient age ranged from 27-71 years. Tumor diameters were 5-11 cm and were located in the mesentery (4/6) and retroperitoneum (2/6). Four tumors were of mucinous type (1/4 of borderline malignancy) and two of serous type. These tumors clinically and histopathologically mimic other primary tumors of the peritoneum. The problems of differential diagnosis are discussed.

Vascular tumors of the female genital tract: a clinicopathological study of nine cases

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological features of nine unusual vascular tumors of the female genital tract and to investigate the problems in the differential diagnosis from other genital lesions.

MATERIAL-METHODS

In a review of 15,000 specimens of the female genital system examined in our Laboratory during the last decade, nine cases of vascular tumors were found.

RESULTS

A capillary hemangioma of the endometrium, one capillary and one cavernous hemangioma of the cervix, six vulva lesions (one capillary, and one cavernous hemangioma and four angiokeratomas) and one hemangiosarcoma of the mons pubis in a 76-year-old patient were diagnosed.

CONCLUSIONS

The differential diagnosis of the vascular tumors must be made mainly from endometriotic lesions and melanomas. Immunohistochemistry (S-100, CD31, CD34, CKS, EMA) aid in the diagnosis. Local excision is adequate for the benign vascular lesions.

Immunohistochemical investigation of p-53, C-NEU and EGFR expression in HPV-related epidermoid endometrial carcinoma

Epidermoid carcinoma (PSCC) of the endometrium is a rare form of endometrial cancer that constitutes about 0.1% of all malignant epithelial tumors of the uterus. The diagnosis of PSCC is based on strict criteria and is made in the absence of a glandular component of the tumor. Squamous cell carcinoma of the endometrium should enter the differential diagnosis in postmenopausal patients in the presence of atypical squamous cells in the uterine curettage, while the cervical biopsies are negative for malignancy. The presence of HPV should be investigated as well, so that its pathogenetic relation is clarified. While no significant relation was found to p-53, C-NEU and EGFR expression this investigation must be continued because. HPV may interact with tumor suppressor genes.