Atypical Placental Site Nodule Arising in a Postcesarean Section Scar: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Int J Gynecol Pathol. 2019 Jan;38(1):71-75. doi: 10.1097/PGP.0000000000000468.

Abstract

The distinction between benign and malignant trophoblastic lesions often presents a diagnostic challenge, even in entities with defined morphologic and immunohistochemical criteria. Lesions arising from chorionic-type intermediate trophoblast, namely placental site nodule (PSN) and epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT), can be distinguished by existing criteria. However, a putative intermediate lesion termed "atypical placental site nodule" (APSN) has been described in the literature but is not well-classified. We present a case of APSN, along with a brief literature review, and we propose more definitive morphologic and immunohistochemical criteria for this entity, in order to facilitate easier diagnosis and gather more information regarding outcomes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cesarean Section
  • Cicatrix / pathology
  • Female
  • Gestational Trophoblastic Disease / classification*
  • Gestational Trophoblastic Disease / diagnosis
  • Gestational Trophoblastic Disease / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Placenta / pathology
  • Pregnancy
  • Trophoblastic Neoplasms / classification*
  • Trophoblastic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Trophoblastic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Trophoblastic Tumor, Placental Site / pathology
  • Trophoblasts / pathology
  • Uterine Neoplasms / classification*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Uterine Neoplasms / pathology