Clinicopathological spectrum of 19 adenosarcomas of female genital tract, including uncommon clinical associations and immunohistochemical profile, reviewed at a single institution

Indian J Pathol Microbiol. 2012 Jul-Sep;55(3):326-32. doi: 10.4103/0377-4929.101738.

Abstract

Background: Adenosarcomas of the female genital tract have been rarely documented as case series from our continent.

Materials and methods: Over a seven-year period, 19 adenosarcomas were critically reviewed.

Results: Nineteen tumors occurred in the age range of 21-65 years (mean: 43), in the endometrium (8), endometrium and cervix (4), cervix (4), and ovary (3). Four cases displayed coexisting leiomyomas; two, adenomyosis; two on background endometriosis; and one in post-treated cervix carcinoma. Histopathologically, the tumors were low grade (10; 52.6%) and high grade (9; 47.3%), the latter with sarcomatous overgrowth (SO) (7/9 cases). Dedifferentiation (8, 42.1%) and conspicuous decidualization (2) were noted. Immunohistochemically, the tumors focally expressed CD10 (4/6), smooth muscle actin (SMA) (3/8), desmin (8/11); diffuse vimentin (7/7), and estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor (ER/PR) (2/4). Ki-67 (6 cases) varied 5-20%. Seventeen patients underwent surgery and four received adjuvant treatment (3/4 high-grade tumors). Five tumors recurred (4 high-grade tumors with SO) and one metastasized. Among 11 patients, five were alive with disease (AWD) (mean: 29.4 months) and six, free of disease (FOD) (mean: 15 months), the latter mostly with low-grade type tumors (83.3% cases).

Conclusions: Diverse clinicopathological spectrum was noted within adenosarcomas. Low-grade tumors were less aggressive than high-grade ones, with SO. Immunohistochemically, lower CD10 and ER/PR positivity was noted in high-grade tumors. Surgery formed the mainstay of treatment. Adjuvant treatment was offered in high-grade subtypes, including in tumors with SO.

MeSH terms

  • Adenosarcoma / pathology*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / analysis*
  • Female
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / pathology*
  • Histocytochemistry
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Microscopy
  • Middle Aged
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antigens, Neoplasm