Pitfalls of Frozen Section in Gynecological Pathology: A Case of Endometrial Tumor With Sex Cord-Like Elements

Int J Surg Pathol. 2018 Jun;26(4):327-329. doi: 10.1177/1066896917749041. Epub 2018 Feb 28.

Abstract

Endometrial stromal tumor with sex cord-like elements (ESTSCLE) is a rare entity that shares similar histological features with uterine tumors resembling ovarian sex cord tumors (UTROSCT). Differentiating the 2 entities involves ample sampling of the tissue to distinguish the percentage of sex cord components within the tissue, genetic studies, and immunohistochemical staining. Frozen section provides limited information for exclusion of either tumor; and the tumor is rare enough that the diagnosis may not be considered with the limited sampling; therefore, deferral of diagnosis to permanent sections may be appropriate.

Keywords: endometrial stromal sarcoma; endometrium; frozen section; pathology; sex cord–like elements.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / pathology
  • Endometrial Stromal Tumors / diagnosis*
  • Endometrial Stromal Tumors / pathology
  • Female
  • Frozen Sections*
  • Humans
  • Sex Cord-Gonadal Stromal Tumors / diagnosis
  • Sex Cord-Gonadal Stromal Tumors / pathology
  • Uterine Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Uterine Neoplasms / pathology