Gynaecological or gastrointestinal origin? Recognising Müllerian neoplasms with gastrointestinal phenotype and determining the primary site in selected entities

Pathology. 2022 Mar;54(2):207-216. doi: 10.1016/j.pathol.2021.09.004. Epub 2021 Nov 26.

Abstract

Recognising metastatic gastrointestinal and pancreatobiliary tumours to gynaecological sites may be challenging, as primary Müllerian tumours can demonstrate similar histological features. Endocervical adenocarcinomas can be of gastric and intestinal types, endometrial lesions may show gastrointestinal phenotype, and finally, mucinous tumours with secondary involvement of the ovaries may mimic primary neoplasms. The aim of this review is to address selected neoplastic entities of the gynaecological tract with gastric and intestinal differentiation and provide helpful clinical and pathological parameters for the diagnosis. A brief overview of metastatic tumours originating from the gastrointestinal and pancreaticobiliary tracts is also provided, including the most common pathological features.

Keywords: Mucinous adenocarcinoma; appendix; cervix; endometrium; gastric; human papilloma virus (HPV); intestinal; ovary; pancreatobiliary.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma / secondary*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / diagnosis
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / pathology
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / secondary*
  • Humans
  • Phenotype