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Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors (SLCTs) of the ovary with mesenchymal heterologous elements are uncommon. Only few such cases have been documented, showing presence of only mesenchymal heterologous elements at the metastatic site. We report an unusual case in a young girl who presented with an omental mass that was consistent with histopathological features of a high-grade sarcoma, with prominent rhabdomyoblastic differentiation of the embryonal type. The sections from her ovarian mass for which she was operated a year back displayed features of a poorly differentiated SLCT with heterologous elements, including focal rhabdomyoblastic differentiation. This is one of the rare cases, to the best of our knowledge, where only rhabomyosarcomatous elements were identified at the metastatic site, mimicking a primary abdominal rhabdomyosarcoma, in a case of an ovarian SLCT. Further, this case reinforces the presence of rhabdomyosarcomatous elements in an ovarian SLCT to be associated with an aggressive disease course.

This study was carried out to observe the trend in hormone receptors over the last 8 years in a tertiary cancer center in India. A total of 11,780 tumors analyzed for hormone receptors over the last 7 years were compared with the results of hormone receptor expression in a prior published study on 798 cases of breast cancer from the same institute. The patient′s ages ranged from 18 to 102 years, Sixty percent of the patients were in the age group of 31-50 years. Seventy percent of the tumors were grade III tumors. The percentage of hormone receptor expression in breast cancer in the last 8 years varied from 52 to 57%. The overall receptor expression in the last 8 years shifted within a 5% range, confirming that the hormone receptor expression in Indian patients with breast cancer is low. However, there was redistribution within the pattern of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression among tumors showing hormone receptor expression. Breast cancers showing only PR expression reduced dramatically from 21% in the year 1999 to in the year 2006, with a parallel increase in breast cancers showing combined ER and PR positivity (from 25 to 41.8%) and only ER expression (from 7.4 to 10.6%). The hormone receptor expression in breast cancers in India is and continues to be low but the high incidence of only PR-positive tumors in our population reported earlier was misrepresented.

Synovial sarcoma is a well defined morphologic entity extensively researched in literature. Synovial sarcoma displays a wide spectrum of clinical presentations and histologic appearances that may give rise to diagnostic dilemmas. One such unusual site in the head and neck area is the tongue. We report a case of monophasic synovial sarcoma of the tongue in a 22-year-old male. Microscopically, this tumor mimicked a poorly differentiated carcinoma which is more common at this site though the patient was young for this type of tumor. On immunohistochemistry, neoplastic cells were positive for cytokeratin, vimentin, calponin, CD99 and bcl2. Molecular studies - viz. reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction revealed a SYT-SSX translocation clinching the diagnosis. This paper highlights the immunohistochemistry profile and SYT-SSX translocation which helped arrive at an accurate diagnosis only because the index of suspicion for a monophasic synovial sarcoma is high.

Byline: R. Chinoy Like two buds I appear at puberty, When my ductules start branching like filigree, With maddening haste they like roots ramify To form perfect lobules that just [...]

The most common tumors which metastatise to kidney are lymphoma, leukemia, and lungs. Metastatic tumors of the kidney are usually small, asymptomatic and occasionally cause flank pain and hematuria. Distinction [...]

The distinction between metastasis from a colorectal adenocarcinoma into the ovary and an ovarian adenocarcinoma is vital, but challenging at times, due to overlapping morphological features. Similarly, a distinction between an ovarian metastasis into the colorectum and a colorectal adenocarcinoma, although rare; is important and can be daunting. We report an analysis of 20 cases of ovarian involvement by metastatic colorectal adenocarcinomas and colorectal involvement by metastatic ovarian adenocarcinomas, including the value of differential expression of cytokeratins 7 & 20 by immunohistochemistry (IHC), in these cases. Nine cases (45%) were identified as colorectal adenocarcinomas metastatic to the ovary. On biopsy, all these cases showed a 'garlandlike' tumor necrosis, with desmoplasia and predominantly exhibited a tubuloalveolar pattern (67% cases). On IHC, all 8 of 9 such cases, where staining for cytokeratin 20 was performed, displayed strong positivity and 7 cases, where staining for carcinoembryogenic antigen (CEA) was performed, revealed positivity for this marker (100%). Other 11 cases (55%) were ovarian adenocarcinomas, metastatic to the colorectum. These showed metachronous presentations, with the ovarian tumor preceding the colorectal tumor deposits. Morphologically, psammomatous calcification was noted in 73% of these cases, whereas 'garland-like' necrosis was absent in all. The chief morphological subtype was serous papillary cystadenocarcinoma (55% cases). On IHC, CK7 and CA 125 were positive in all 6 of 11 such cases, whereas CK 20 was negative in all these cases. In cases of complex presentations like an ovarian involvement by a metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma and vice-versa, certain clinicopathological features are useful. Differential expression of CK 7 and CK20 is vital in resolving these dilemmas. CK20 positivity and CK7 negativity is associated with a colorectal adenocarcinoma. Markers like CEA and CA-125 have an added value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) forms one of the first diagnostic tools in the evaluation of tumors. Its role in diagnosing soft tissue tumors (STT) has been fairly documented, as well as debated. Present study was aimed at evaluating its scope in diagnosing 127 cases of soft tissue tumors. Methods: Conventional Pap and MGG staining was available in all the cases. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) was performed in 15 cases. Histopathological details were available in 115 cases. Results: 50% cases were referred for a primary diagnosis, while 26.8% & 22.8% cases were evaluated for recurrent and metastatic lesions, respectively. Extremities were the commonest sites. On FNAC, 101 cases (79.5%) were labeled as malignant, whereas 10 cases (7.9%) were labeled as benign. The remaining 16 cases (11%) were not categorized and were labeled as 'unsure/not specified'. Histopathological confirmation in 115 cases, gave a diagnostic accuracy of 98%, with a positive predictive value of 98% in malignant cases and a negative predictive value of 100% in benign cases. Two cases were false positive. Among the various cytological categories, 60 cases (47.2%) were of spindle cell type, followed by 32 (25.2%) of round cell type and 14 cases (11%) of lipomatous type. Other 12 cases (9.4%) were of pleomorphic type; 7 (5.5%) cases of epithelioid type and remaining 2 cases were of myxoid type. All the round cell, pleomorphic and myxoid type of tumors were sarcomas, whereas 73.3% cases of spindle cell type were labeled as 'malignant'. Exact cytological sub typing was offered in 58 cases, with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) as the most frequently sub typed tumor. The two false positive malignant cases were of fibromatosis and a pigmented schwannoma, on biopsy. Out of 28 metastatic lesions, lymph nodes were the commonest site for metastasis, with epithelioid tumors that formed highest percentage of metastatic cases. Conclusion: FNAC is fairly specific and sensitive in STT diagnoses for primary, recurrent and metastatic lesions. The cytological types, especially round cell and pleomorphic sarcomas, can be quickly identified. Clinicopathological correlation with ICC as an adjunct, are valuable in exact sub typing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Frozen section is an invaluable intra-operative tool for evaluation of breast lumps. Aims: The aim of this study was to (1) calculate the overall accuracy, false positivity, false negativity for frozen section of breast lumps, (2) analyze the causes of discrepancies, and (3) compare the data with that of published literature on frozen section of breast lumps. Material and Methods: Two hundred and fifty one frozen sections comprising 237 breast lumps, 10 axillary nodes and 4 lumpectomy margins received for frozen section in 1997 were analyzed. Pathology reports and slides (of both frozen and paraffin sections) were reviewed. The values were calculated using paraffin slides as the gold standard. Results: The 237 lumps received for primary diagnosis comprised 157 malignant and 80 benign lesions. The false negativity rate was 0.42%, false positive rate 0%, deferral rate 0.84%, overall accuracy rate was 99.57%. The false negative diagnosis was an error of interpretation. False negativity rate for axillary nodes was 20% and accuracy was 80%. Accuracy for margins was 100%. Conclusion: Frozen section has a role despite the raging popularity of aspiration cytology in the following settings: (1) Difficult cytology (2) Evaluation of lumpectomy margins. (3) Intra-operative nodal status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT) is a rare gestational trophoblastic tumor and often poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the involved clinicians. We report a case of epithelioid trophoblastic tumor in a young woman which involved the uterus, parametrium and the right ovary. Misdiagnosis as a choriocarcinoma led to improper treatment and progressive disease. Microscopically it revealed a relatively monotonous population of epithelioid cells arranged in nests with hyaline-like matrix surrounding the tumor cells. Differential diagnosis between placental site trophoblastic tumor and carcinoma was ruled out based on histology and immunohistochemistry. The patient developed lung and brain metastasis after 10 months and is alive with disease 1½ years thereafter and is taking palliative chemotherapy. The patient had β-HCG level of 85.1 mIU/mL at the time of diagnosis; but just before metastasis, the levels rose. Awareness of the histological features of ETT is essential to avoid misdiagnosis, as it represents a tumor which is primarily treated by surgery rather than with chemotherapy.

Abstract The distinction between metastasis from a colorectal adenocarcinoma into the ovary and an ovarian adenocarcinoma is vital, but challenging at times, due to overlapping morphological features. Similarly, a distinction between an ovarian metastasis into the colorectum and a colorectal adenocarcinoma, although rare; is important and can be daunting. We report an analysis of 20 cases of ovarian involvement by metastatic colorectal adenocarcinomas and colorectal involvement by metastatic ovarian adenocarcinomas, including the value of differential expression of cytokeratins 7 & 20 by immunohistochemistry (IHC), in these cases. Nine cases (45%) were identified as colorectal adenocarcinomas metastatic to the ovary. On biopsy, all these cases showed a 'garland-like' tumor necrosis, with desmoplasia and predominantly exhibited a tubuloalveolar pattern (67% cases). On IHC, all 8 of 9 such cases, where staining for cytokeratin 20 was performed, displayed strong positivity and 7 cases, where staining for carcinoembryogenic antigen (CEA) was performed, revealed positivity for this marker (100%). Other 11 cases (55%) were ovarian adenocarcinomas, metastatic to the colorectum. These showed metachronous presentations, with the ovarian tumor preceding the colorectal tumor deposits. Morphologically, psammomatous calcification was noted in 73% of these cases, whereas 'garland-like' necrosis was absent in all. The chief morphological subtype was serous papillary cystadenocarcinoma (55% cases). On IHC, CK7 and CA 125 were positive in all 6 of 11 such cases, whereas CK 20 was negative in all these cases. In cases of complex presentations like an ovarian involvement by a metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma and vice-versa, certain clinicopathological features are useful. Differential expression of CK 7 and CK20 is vital in resolving these dilemmas. CK20 positivity and CK7 negativity is associated with a colorectal adenocarcinoma. Markers like CEA and CA-125 have an added value.

Abstract Background Epithelioid sarcoma (ES) is an uncommon soft tissue sarcoma. Lately, subtypes of ES, including proximal-type ES have been recognized, with relatively few reports on such cases. Case presentation A 47-year-old male presented with a perineal soft tissue mass that was excised elsewhere and the biopsy was submitted for a review diagnosis. On histology, a multi nodular tumor was seen comprising sheets of oval to polygonal cells with moderate amount of cytoplasm. Interspersed were larger, rhabdoid cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and prominent nucleoli. Focal necrosis was noted. A wide panel of immunohistochemical (IHC) markers was performed to rule out a range of differential diagnoses, including a poorly differentiated carcinoma, a melanoma and a variety of sarcomas with epithelioid differentiation. On IHC, the tumor cells showed a polyphenotypic expression, including positivity for epithelial markers i.e cytokeratin (CK), CK7, EMA and mesenchymal markers like vimentin and CD 34. Desmin was focally positive. CK20, CEA, S-100, HMB-45, SMA, LCA and CD31 were negative. A diagnosis of a proximal-type ES was formed. Six moths later, despite adjuvant chemo and radiotherapy (CT and RT), the patient continued to have the lesion and was referred again. In addition to the earlier histological features, sections from the persistent tumor mass showed an increased number of larger cells along with multinucleated tumor giant cells. Conclusion The value of identifying this uncommon tumor from a list of differential diagnoses is in view of its aggressive behavior, as seen in our case. A wide excision with clear margins is imperative with options of post-operative CT/RT in individual cases during a close follow-up.

Abstract Background Fibromatosis-like metaplastic carcinoma is a newly described metaplastic breast tumor, literature on which is still evolving. Case presentation A 77-year-old lady presented with a 2 × 2 cm mass with irregular margins in the upper and outer quadrant of left breast. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) from the lump was inconclusive. A lumpectomy was performed and sent for frozen section, which revealed presence of spindle cells showing mild atypia in a sclerotic stroma. The tumor cells revealed prominent infiltration into the adjacent fat. A differential diagnosis of a low-grade sarcoma vs. a metaplastic carcinoma, favoring the former, was offered. Final histology sections revealed an infiltrating tumor with predominant spindle cells in a collagenous background, simulating a fibromatosis. Adjacent to the tumor were foci of benign ductal hyperplasia and a micropapilloma. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed diffuse co-expression of epithelial markers i.e. cytokeratins (CK, HMWCK, CK7) and EMA along with a mesenchymal marker i.e. vimentin in the tumor cells. Myoepithelial markers (SMA and p63) showed focal positivity. A diagnosis of a low-grade fibromatosis-like carcinoma breast associated with a micropapilloma was formed. Conclusion Fibromatosis-like carcinoma is a rare form of a metaplastic breast tumor. This diagnosis requires an index of suspicion while dealing with spindle cell breast tumors. The importance of making this diagnosis to facilitate an intra operative surgical planning is marred by diagnostic difficulties. In such cases, IHC is imperative in forming an objective diagnosis.

Introduction: Expression of cytokeratin intermediate filaments by a tumour was traditionally considered as proof of epithelial origin. Increasing documentation of cytokeratin expression within tissues and neoplasms of mesenchymal origin has challenged this notion. Aims: To study the pattern of cytokeratins expression in 375 soft tissue sarcomas. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of 375 soft tissue sarcomas at various anatomical sites which were reported between 2003-2006 was done. All cases wherein cytokeratin was one of the antibodies in the IHC panel were analysed and correlated with histologic subtype. Results: CK immunoreactivity was observed in 69 of 375 soft tissue sarcomas (18.4%).The various subtypes were: synovial sarcoma (30/108), epithelioid sarcoma (15/28), pleomorphic sarcoma (3/19), leiomyosarcoma (2/17), PNET (2/25), DSRCT (5/8), extra renal rhabdoid tumour (2/2), sarcoma with epithelioid morphology (5/20), alveolar soft part sarcoma (1/4), chordoma (1/1), mesothelioma (1/4), myofibroblastic sarcoma (1/2), benign smooth muscle neoplasm of muscle origin (1/1). None of the cases classified as high grade sarcoma of uncertain histogenesis (50), MPNST (18), liposarcoma (6), MFH (7), melanoma/ clear cell sarcoma of soft part (9), epithelioid MPNST (10) and epithelioid angiosarcoma (7) revealed CK positivity. The immunoexpression was extensive and intense in biphasic synovial sarcomas and epithelioid sarcomas, whereas it was focal and weak in the remaining subtypes. Tumours with epithelioid morphology showed maximum immunoreactivity on routine histology. Conclusion: The presence of CK expression in 18% of all sarcomas and in 41.6% of sarcomas with epithelioid morphology highlights the fact that aberrant expression of CK intermediate filaments is not infrequent in sarcomas. Cytokeratins are often used as a marker to support a diagnosis of carcinoma over a sarcoma. Hence these observations by a trained surgical pathologist are vital for interpreting IHC results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pathological features of primary ovarian epithelial carcinomas overlap with metastatic colorectal adenocarcinomas. Exact primary diagnosis becomes challenging in cases of ovarian involvement by colorectal adenocarcinomas and vice versa. Lately, differential expression of cytokeratins (CK7 and CK20) has emerged in resolving diagnostic dilemmas relating to exact primary sites in such presentations. Aims: We sought to identify differential expression of CK 7 and CK20 in 16 cases of synchronous or metachronous adenocarcinomas involving ovary and colorectum, accrued over a period of 5 years. Materials and Methods: Conventional Hematoxylin and Eosin stained micro sections were supplemented with immunohistochemical (IHC) markers like CK7, CK20, CA125 and CEA, as and when required. Complete clinicopathological details, including serum tumor marker (TM) levels for CA125 and CEA were noted. Results: Out of 16 cases, 9 (56.25%) were of ovarian origin and 7 (43.75%) of colorectal origin. Six cases showed synchronous involvement. Morphologically, 6 ovarian cases included 5 papillary serous cystadenocarcinomas and 1 of endometrioid type, while 7 colorectal adenocarcinomas included 4 tubuloglandular, 2 mucinous and 1 case of signet-ring cell type. Remaining 3 cases were classified as poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas (NOS type). IHC was performed in 12 (75%) cases. CK7+/CK20-vity was noted in 6 cases, confirming an ovarian origin. CK20+/CK7-vity was seen in 3 cases, confirming a colorectal origin. Strong CK20 +/Weak CK7+vity was seen in 3 cases. These cases further showed CA125 negativity and CEA positivity, along with high serum CEA levels, as corroborative evidences for a colorectal primary. Histomorphologically, all cases of colorectal adenocarcinomas exhibited .garland-like. necrosis. Lymphovascular emboli were noted in 57% cases of colorectal metastasis to ovary and in 33% cases of ovarian metastasis to colorectum. Psammomatous calcification was seen in all 5 cases of papillary serous cystadenocarcinomas, 1 case of poorly differentiated ovarian adenocarcinoma and 1 case of colorectal adenocarcinoma. Conclusions: Differential CK7 and CK20 expression is helpful in identifying primary tumor in cases of ovarian involvement by colorectal adenocarcinomas and vice versa. Inclusion of CA125 and CEA in the IHC panel, along with their TM levels, has added value. Clinicopathological correlation is necessary in such cases before treatment decisions are undertaken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Naked eye visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), magnified VIA (VIAM), visual inspection with Lugol's iodine (VILI), cytology and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing were evaluated as screening methods for the detection of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) of the uterine cervix in a cross-sectional study in Mumbai, India. METHODS: Cytology, HPV testing, VIA, VIAM and VILI were carried out concurrently for 4039 women aged 30-65 years. All women were investigated with colposcopy and biopsies were taken from 939 women who had colposcopic abnormalities. The reference standard for final disease status was histology or negative colposcopy. The presence of HSIL was confirmed in 57 women (1.4%). The test characteristics for each method were calculated using standard formulae. RESULTS: The sensitivities of cytology, HPV testing, VIA, VIAM and VILI were 57.4%, 62.0%, 59.7%, 64.9%, and 75.4%, respectively (differences were not statistically significant). The specificities were 98.6%, 93.5%, 88.4%, 86.3%, and 84.3%, respectively. Adding a visual test to cytology or HPV testing in parallel combination resulted in a substantial increase in sensitivity, with a moderate decrease in specificity. The parallel combination of VILI and HPV testing resulted in a sensitivity of 92.0% and a specificity of 79.9%. CONCLUSION: As a single test, cytology had the best balance of sensitivity and specificity. Visual tests are promising in low-resource settings, such as India. The use of both VIA and VILI may be considered where good quality cytology or HPV testing are not feasible. The sensitivity of cytology and HPV testing increased significantly when combined with VIA or VILI. Copyright © 2005 World Health Organization [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objectives: Determination of HER2 status in breast cancer has become important to identify potential candidates for anti-HER2 therapy. In this study we compared fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the determination of HER2 status in breast cancer patients referred to a tertiary care referral centre., Methods: A total of 200 cases of invasive breast cancer were evaluated for HER2 status using IHC and FISH and results were compared., Results: The IHC 3+ (93.9%) and IHC negative (85.9%) cases showed good concordance with the corresponding FISH results; while 66.6 per cent of IHC 2+ cases showed gene amplification by FISH. In addition, hormone receptor expression and HER2 gene status showed a statistically significant inverse association (P<0.05)., Interpretation & Conclusion: These findings reaffirm IHC as a prudent first-step to screen tissue samples for HER2 status and to determine suitability for technically demanding FISH test and the dual coloured FISH as a gold standard for determination of HER2/neu status in IHC equivocal cases of breast carcinoma.

Solitary fibrous tumour (SFT) is a rare spindle cell neoplasm arising at pleural and extrapleural sites. Five cases of SFT diagnosed at our institution over a five year period were reviewed. Haematoxylin and eosin stained histological sections, immuno-histochemical markers including CD34 and electron microscopy were the different methods used to study these tumours. Three histological features were consistently observed in all the tumours: the tumours were composed of short spindle cells separated by dense collagen bands and arranged in alternate hypocellular and hypercellular areas. CD34 positivity was seen in all the cases. SFT's have been reported to behave in an unpredictable fashion and hence prolonged follow up is essential. Histology, CD34 positivity and electron microscopy are useful tools in diagnosing SFT. While the pleural tumours can be diagnosed based on histology, this must be substantiated by ancillary techniques in case of extrapleural tumours.

Telepathology is the practice of pathology at a distance. Static telepathology is employed to achieve teleconsultation between a tertiary cancer referral centre, Tata Memorial Centre and a sister concern in rural area viz. Nargis Dutt Memorial Cancer Hospital, Barshi, Solapur. This is an analysis of the first 102 cases. Two transcontinental consultations have not been included in statistical analysis. A diagnosis was offered in 99 (99%) cases; whereas it was deferred in only I (1%) case. Clinically important or relevant diagnosis were achieved in 93/ 99 (93.93%) of cases. Major discrepancies were encountered in 6/99 (6.06%) of cases. A total of 79% of cases were reported within 3 days, of which 32% were reported within 8 hours (a single working day) and 47% within 1-3 days. Telemedicine can be used effectively to bridge the gap between medically underprivileged, geographically distant rural areas and advanced centers with technical expertise using cheaper static store and forward methodology.

Background: Telepathology allows quick and timely access to an expert opinion, no matter where the patient is located. We analysed the experience with the use of telepathology between a tertiary cancer centre and a rural cancer hospital., Methods: Ninety-three cases were analysed in which static telepathology was used to obtain a consultation between Tata Memorial Centre and Nargis Dutt Memorial Cancer Hospital at Barshi, a rural area., Results: Successful teleconsultation was achieved in all cases. A diagnosis was offered in 92 cases (98.9%) and was deferred in 1 case (1.1%). Complete concordance, clinically unimportant minor discrepancy and hedged diagnosis were obtained in 83 cases (90.2%). Major discrepancies were encountered in 9 cases (9.7%). The number of images per case ranged from 3 to 27 (average: 7 images). Images were of diagnosable quality in 89.2% of cases. Most of the cases (77.4%) were reported within 3 days; 32.2% were reported within 8 hours (a single working day) and 45.1% within 1-3 days., Conclusion: Telemedicine can be effectively used to bridge the gap between medically underprivileged, geographically distant rural areas and advanced centres using the static store and forward methodology.

A young Arab male, clinically suspected to have ulcerative colitis, was operated upon for fulminant intractable diarrhea with melena. The colon showed severe necrotizing and hemorrhagic colitis which was attributed to an opportunistic infection, viz cytomegalovirus infection. The patient's immunocompromised state was a consequence of AIDS, proved by ELISA and Western Blot test. He subsequently developed multiple brain abscesses and succumbed to uncontrolled infection.

Fourteen histologically proved specimens of clear cell sarcomas (CCS) of tendon sheaths were studied for the presence of S-100 protein. Eleven cases were strongly positive, and 2 cases were weakly positive. There was only one case which was absolutely negative for this protein. This technique was useful to diagnose tumours which were not only easily diagnosed as CCS or soft tissue melanomas, but also in the atypical and spindle cell variants of CCS which have to be weeded out of the large family of other morphologically allied soft tissue tumours.