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The study attempts to evaluate the data derived from the RNA sequencing of 18 ovarian carcinomas to identify variants in ARID1A mutations. The results indicate that ARIDIA mutations are present in ovarian carcinomas and that it is indicative of an early event in the transformation of endometriosis into cancer.

The precise nature and diagnostic concept of malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) has been debated for years. Currently, a histiocytic lineage of the tumor cells is no longer favored. The nomenclature and classification of MFH and its subtypes have also been changed. The MFH pattern, especially that of storiform-pleomorphic variant, is viewed as a morphologic pattern shared by a number of sarcomas as well as by other nonsarcomas. Therefore, a diagnosis of MFH based solely on morphology is no longer acceptable and identification of a line of differentiation should be sought. A diagnosis of MFH should be made only for pleomorphic sarcomas in which no specific line of differentiation is discerned. Precise categorization of MFH-like tumors may require thorough sampling of the tumor and judicious use of immunohistochemistry and/or electron microscopy. Familiarity with the current terminology and classification of MFH and its subtypes is of paramount significance in the modern practice of pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leydig cell tumor (LCT) is a rare tumor of the male testicular interstitium. This article provides an overview of the major pathologic manifestations of LCT of the testis; patient characteristics; clinical, radiologic, and laboratory features; prognosis; and management. LCTs of the testis are frequently hormonally active, leading to either feminizing or virilizing syndromes. The tumor is usually benign, but malignant variants can occur. The pathologic diagnosis of LCT is usually made based on morphologic characteristics of the tumor cells. The significance of Reinke crystals in the diagnosis of LCT both cytologically and histologically is underscored. Pathologists have to be familiar with the diagnostic histopathologic features, immunohistochemical panel of this tumor, and its principal differential diagnoses to prevent tumor misdiagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We intended to explore the relationship of CD138 with thymic tumors. A series of 64 thymic tumors were studied. Positive staining was seen in 7 of 8 (87.5%) type A, 7 of 16 (43.7%) type AB, 1 of 8 (12.5%) type B1, 1 of 5 (20%) type B2, 10 of 17 (58.8%) type B3, and 3 of 10 (30%) type C (p=0.04), respectively. In terms of subcellular location of CD138 expression, 9 of 10 (90%) CD138 positive type B3 had membranous expression, while cytoplasmic expression was identified in 7 of 7 (100%) type A, and 6 of 7 (86%) type AB (p<0.0001). Positive CD138 was noted in 20 of 31 (64.5%) cases with Masaoka stage I (p= 0.01); while negative CD138 was seen in 24 of 33 (72.7%) cases with Masaoka stages (II-IV). Tumor recurred in 4 cases (7%), all of which had negative CD138 (p=0.008). Our study suggests that CD138 could be used as an ancillary study to differentiate between WHO types. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that advanced stage-thymic tumors as well as those with high recurrence rate tend to display a reduced expression of CD138. However, more studies with larger cohort and longer follow-up are warranted to validate the clinical utility of CD138 to assess clinical behavior and prognosis of thymic tumors.

The following abstracts are compiled from Check Sample exercises published in 2008. These peer-reviewed case studies assist laboratory professionals with continuing medical education and are developed in the areas of clinical chemistry, cytopathology, forensic pathology, hematology, microbiology, surgical pathology, and transfusion medicine. Abstracts for all exercises published in the program will appear annually in AJCP.

Background: Recurrence of urothelial (transitional cell) carcinoma in the urethra after cystectomy for invasive urothelial carcinoma is relatively uncommon. It is also uncommon for the recurring urethral tumor to present as a painful perineal mass. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) can be used to evaluate such perineal lesions and confirm tumor recurrence., Case: A 5-cm-diameter mass was found in the perineum of a 63-year-old man 1 year after radical cystoprostatectomy for invasive urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder. The mass was detected on pelvic computed tomographic scanning. FNA cytology showed numerous urothelial carcinoma cells of high grade displaying squamous cell differentiation mimicking the histopathologic findings of the primary tumor found on cystectomy. Diagnosis of recurrent urothelial carcinoma was rendered. The FNA in this case spared the patient an open biopsy., Conclusion: Mass lesions arising in the perineum of patients who underwent cystectomy for urothelial carcinoma should raise the suspicion of urothelial carcinoma recurrence. Evaluation of perineal masses for recurrence of urothelial carcinoma can be made on FNA without the need for open biopsy.