Atypical polypoid adenomyomas of the uterus

We performed a clinicopathological immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and flow cytometric study on six cases of atypical polypoid adenomyoma of the uterus including one with an adenocarcinoma within it. The tumours occurred in nulliparous women aged 22–48 years (average, 33.0 years); three arose in the uterine corpus, and three in the endocervix. Histologically, they were composed of endometrial glands admixed with a stromal component of interlacing bundles of smooth muscle cells. The glands exhibited varying degrees of architectural and cytological atypia. Most of the stromal cells showed strong staining for HHF35, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and vimentin, and some cells contained desmin. Electronmicroscopy, in one case, confirmed the presence of a well-differentiated smooth muscle component. The stromal component may arise as a result of extensive metaplasia of endometrial stromal cells. Uninvolved endometrium showed ciliated cell metaplasia in three patients, and atypical complex hyperplasia in two. One patient had a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma of endometrioid type arising in an endocervical atypical polypoid adenomyoma. All tumours had a diploid DNA content and relatively small S phase fraction (average, 6.23%). The follow-up periods ranged from 4 to 42 months (average, 13.5 months), and all patients were alive and well. Although the histogenesis of atypical polypoid adenomyoma of the uterus remains uncertain, it is suggested that it may arise because of oestrogen-related factors.     

子宫内膜息肉样腺肌瘤临床病理分析

目的:探讨子宫内膜息肉样腺肌瘤的临床病理特征。方法:对27例子宫内膜息肉样腺肌瘤的临床资料和病理特征进行回顾性分析。结果:27例子宫内膜息肉样腺肌瘤于宫腔镜下未能确诊,经病理检查明确诊断。其中息肉样腺肌瘤15例,由富含平滑肌组织的基质包绕大小和形态不等的子宫内膜腺体,但无不典型性改变;非典型性息肉样腺肌瘤12例,由杂乱无章的不规则腺体构成,具有明显的腺体结构复杂性和细胞非典型性,可见鳞状上皮化生。结论:子宫内膜息肉样腺肌瘤具有特异的病理特征,为良性病变,但是非典型性息肉样腺肌瘤存在低度恶性潜能,需完整切除肿物,防止复发,且应严密随诊。     

Atypical polypoid adenomyoma: a case report with ultrastructural examination

A case of atypical polypoid adenomyoma occurring in a 40 yr-old female is reported. The lesion was composed of irregular glands lined by atypical epithelium lying in a spindle cell stroma containing smooth muscle cells. The mitotic count of the stroma was less than 1 per 10 high power fields. Squamous metaplasia was present in the glandular elements. Ultrastructural examination of the stroma confirmed the presence of smooth muscle cells. The lesion is compared with similar cases previously reported. The differential diagnosis is considered, including endometrial adenocarcinoma, adenomyosis, endometrial polyps and mixed Mullerian tumours. Atypical polypoid adenomyoma is a benign lesion, and conservative management is recommended.     

子宫非典型性息肉状腺肌瘤病理诊断及鉴别诊断

目的：探讨子宫非典型性息肉状腺肌瘤（APA）的临床病理特征及其鉴别诊断。方法：收集6例子宫非典型性息肉状腺肌瘤,综合分析其表现,并进行光镜观察。结果：患者年龄27－65岁,平均43．1岁。主要以阴道不规则出血和（或）不孕症为主诉。除1例部位不详外,2例发生在宫底,2例宫体下段,1例位于宫颈管内,光镜下表现为腺上皮呈不同程度的增生,并伴有一定异型性,1例出现鳞化灶,肿瘤间质可见增生的平滑肌组织,1例局部出现内膜间质的分化,1例部分区域间质水肿明显。1例镜下见肿物一部分为透明细胞癌,另一部分呈APA改变,两者之间有过渡,随访3个-11上,除继发透明细胞癌的老年患者术后16个月死亡外,其余均无复发。结论：子宫非典型性息肉状腺肌瘤应注意与高分化宫内膜样癌,宫内膜息肉,腺肌瘤等鉴别,其临床经过良好,但非典型性显著者,尤其是老年患者有继发内膜癌的可能性。     

Uterine adenomyoma of endocervical type

A uterine adenomyoma of endocervical type was presented histopathologically in a 44-year-old woman. She had a mural tumor of the uterine endocervix, which showed a well-circumscribed margin and multiple cysts filled with mucin. Histologically, the tumor was composed of a proliferation of endocervical glands and smooth muscle. The glandular epithelial components were cystic and occasionally papillary, but neither component showed cytological atypia. A differential diagnosis of the uterine endocervical tumor should include adenomyoma of endocervical type.     

Endometrial cells of the “Lower uterine segment” (LUS) in cervical smears obtained by endocervical brushings: A source of potential diagnostic pitfall

The use of endocervical brushes has led to a generous sampling of both endocervical and “lower uterine segment” (LUS) cells. to an unfamiliar eye, the large fragments of endometrial tissue from the LUS may lead to misinterpretation as endometriosis or glandular malignancy, as happened in our institution when the use of endocervical brush and recognition of LUS cells in cervical smears were limited. Eight cases, cytologically interpreted as such, were proven to be benign following cervical biopsy or endometrial curettage. the nature of LUS cells was recognized only on retrospective review of this cytologic material. However, in recent years, routine use of the endocervical brush resulted in an influx of similar cases referred by the cytotechnologists to the pathologist as glandular atypia. Thus, to get familiarized with the cytomorphology of LUS cells and its diagnostic pitfalls, a prospective study was undertaken. This entailed a review of 62,187 consecutive cervicovaginal smears (women of post-hysterectomy status were excluded) received within a 12-mo period (July 1, 1992-June 30, 1993). A total of 344 smears (0.55%) showed large tissue fragments of branching tubular endometrial glands with and without surrounding stroma. Patients ranged from 14–82 yr of age. History of cervical cone biopsy was noted in nine patients (2.6%). Repeat cervical smear or concurrent endometrial or endocervical biopsy available in 84 patients (24.4%) were negative. LUS cells may be mistaken for endometriosis, epithelial glandular atypia, as well as carcinoma of both endocervical and endometrial origin. in addition to glandular abnormality, LUS cells may also be misinterpreted as that of squamous intraepithelial lesion. the characteristic presentation of LUS cells with long tubular branching glands embedded in a loose monomorphic stromal cells containing delicate capillaries is best appreciated at low power magnification. Familiarity with the cytomorphologic features of LUS and awareness of the diagnostic pitfalls may avoid interpretative errors and unnecessary surgical procedures. © Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Endometrial metaplasia as a source of atypical glandular cells in cervicovaginal smears

Cytohistological correlation of abnormal cervicovaginal smears indicates that endometrial metaplasia may be associated with the presence of atypical glandular cells. Seven patients with histologically confirmed endometrial metaplasia had atypical glandular cells in cervicovaginal smears; five smears were interpreted as being suspicious for endometrial adenocarcinoma. Most of the patients (5/7) were postmenopausal (mean age = 61.3 years), and three of seven patients had abnormal vaginal bleeding. The corresponding endometrial tissue specimens demonstrated various combinations of eosinophilic, papillary, squamous, and tubal metaplasia; in one case tubal metaplasia occurred in association with an endometrial polyp. Cytologic features noted in the cervicovaginal smears from all seven patients were similar and included small clusters of atypical glandular cells in an inflammatory background. Intracytoplasmic vacuoles were often present, and a moderate degree of aniosonucleosis was noted. Enlarged glandular nuclei contained finely granular chromatin and distinct nucleoli. The differential diagnosis of atypical glandular cells includes endometrial hyperplasia and well-differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma. The atypical cells associated with endometrial metaplasia were characterized by a relatively low N:C ratio and evenly distributed chromatin. In contrast, the cells of endometrial carcinoma typically demonstrate increased N:C ratios and irregularly distributed chromatin. Diagn Cytopathol 1996;14:25–31. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Adenomyoma of the jejunum

Adenomyoma of the small intestine is an extremely rare condition characterized by abnormal glandular structures surrounded by smooth muscle. We report a case of adenomyoma of the jejunum. The patient was a 61-year-old female with cancer of the sigmoid colon and multiple liver cysts, who was sent to the operation room for exploratory laparotomy and sigmoidectomy. At surgery, a polypoid lesion was incidentally found in the lower jejunum, which was resected. On histologic examination, the morphologic features were typical of adenomyoma. However, new histopathological and immunohistochemistry features are described here, providing evidence that adenomyoma of the jejunum is a form of intestinal epithelial hamartoma.     

The fine structure of pacemaker cells in the pig renal calices

Using the electron microscope, two types of smooth muscle cell have been recognized in the upper urinary tract of the pig. One type is confined solely to the renal attachment of each minor calix and possesses a number of atypical features. These cells are not grouped into bundles but form a loose meshwork. They frequently branch, are comparatively long with very irregular profiles, and are separated by relatively large amounts of connective tissue although maculae adhaerentes are occasionally observed between neighbouring cells. Dense micronbrils occur in the vicinity of the cells which are surrounded by a partial basal lamina. Groups of axons are seen in the region, many of which contain small dense-cored vesicles. Within the atypical cells, filaments are loosely packed and accumulations of micropinocytotic vesicles are not observed. These features contrast markedly with those of typical muscle cells in other regions of the upper urinary tract where they form tightly packed bundles unrelated to axon profiles. The typical smooth muscle cells are larger and more regular in outline, are surrounded by a complete basal lamina, possess tightly packed filaments, and contain numerous micropinocytotic vesicles and glycogen particles. Similar modified muscle cells occur in the unicaliceal systems of other species where they are also confined to the proximal end of the urinary tract. It is suggested that the atypical cells are specially adapted to function as spontaneously active “pacemakers” initiating ureteric peristalsis.     

Microglandular endocervical hyperplasia and tubal metaplasia: Pitfalls in the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma on cervical smears

The detection of atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGUS) has risen recently due to the use of new endocervical canal sampling devices, in particular the cytobrush. From April 1993–June 1994, a diagnosis of AGUS ranging from adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) to invasive adenocarcinoma was initially made on cervical smears from 6 women for whom histologic follow-up data were available. The purpose of this study was to determine if benign cervical glandular lesions can be reliably distinguished from adenocarcinoma on cytology. Review of the smears and histologic slides from 3 patients showed microglandular endocervical hyperplasia on cervical cone specimens. Cervical smears from 2 of these patients showed clusters of small-to-medium-sized cells with nuclei containing coarse, granular chromatin and prominent nucleoli. Cytoplasmic vacuoles and engulfment of neutrophils were present, findings suggestive of endometrial adenocarcinoma. The third patient's smear showed clusters of large cells with ample, vacuolated cytoplasm and vesicular nuclei containing prominent nucleoli, findings suggestive of endocervical adenocarcinoma, In 3 cases evaluated by cervical conization, histologic slides showed tubal metaplasia. The cervical smears showed clusters and sheets of cells with round-to-oval-shaped nuclei containing evenly distributed, finely granular chromatin and inconspicuous nucleoli. Pseudoglandular formation was present in 2 cases, a finding suggestive of AIS. Since the cytologic features of microglandular endocervical hyperplasia and tubal metaplasia overlap those of adenocarcinoma, a differential diagnosis is prudent on cytologic smears of AGUS. Diagn. Cytopathol. 16:168–173, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Cytological features of atypical polypoid adenomyoma of the endometrium: A case report with literature review

Atypical polypoid adenomyoma (APA) is a rare mixed epithelial and mesenchymal tumor characterized histopathologically by the presence of disorganized hyperplastic glands with cytological atypia embedded in intersecting fascicles of fibromuscular stromal cells. Herein, we report the first documented endometrial cytological case of APA. A 35‐year‐old Japanese female presented with irregular menstrual cycles and then was found to have polypoid lesions of the endometrium. Cytological examination of the endometrium and endometrial curettage were performed. The Papanicolaou smear revealed the presence of abundant clusters of crowded glandular cells in a clean background. These clusters exhibited irregular branching and dilatation, and these glandular cells had mild to moderately enlarged round to oval nuclei. Within the dilated glands, metaplastic squamous cells (squamous morules) were observed. The most striking feature was the presence of short fascicles of the spindle cells without atypia around the dilated atypical glandular cell clusters with squamous morules. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations revealed a diagnosis of APA. Our report demonstrates that the characteristic cytological feature suggestive of APA is the presence of short fascicles of the spindle cells without atypia surrounding dilated atypical glandular cell clusters with squamous morules in a clean background, and their appearance can allow cytologists/cytopathologists to consider APA in differential diagnosis in the endometrial cytological specimens. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:345–349. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Superficial endometriosis of the cervix: A source of abnormal glandular cells on cervicovaginal smears

Superficial endometriosis of the cervix, a benign process which may be associated with atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGUS) on cervicovaginal (CV) smears, is becoming increasingly recognized on colposcopic examination. This study details the clinical, cytologic, and histology features of six cases of superficial cervical endometriosis. All CV smears featured atypical endocervical-like columnar cells in sheets and strips as well as cells with endometrial characteristics including solid cohesive, crowded, overlapping glandular groups, loss of cellular polarity, and a frequent ragged "feathered" edge appearance with protruding nuclei, occasional rosette formations, and endometrial stroma. Recognition of endometrial stroma in continuity with groups of cells with these features on CV smears may suggest the diagnosis of this benign condition. However, the cytologic features of endometriosis show sufficient overlap with those of precancerous and cancerous glandular lesions that many of these cases will continue to be diagnosed as "atypical glandular cells."     

Müllerian tumor (atypical polypoid adenomyoma) with sex-cord differentiation arising from the oviduct in an adolescent cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis)

In a 6.5-year-old cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis), a tumor mass was macroscopically located near the right ovary, connected to the oviduct, and completely separated from the uterus. The mass was an elongated spherical shape with a smooth surface and milky-white color. It was approximately 3.5 cm across its major axis, and the sagittal section was composed of cystic walls and a multi-lobular luminal nodule. Light-microscopically, the polypoid mass consisted of admixtures of neoplastic mesenchymal and epithelial elements. Lipid-rich foamy cells scattered within the tumor mass formed nest-like/aggregated populations. Immunohistochemically, mesenchymal tumor cells stained diffusely positive for vimentin, desmin, and alpha (alpha)-smooth muscle actin, demonstrating a smooth muscle origin. Mesenchymal tumor cells contained mitotic figures, and tumor elements including mesenchymal, epithelial, and lipid-rich foamy cells stained strongly positive for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Moreover, lipid-rich foamy cells elicited positive reactions for testosterone, suggesting sex-cord element differentiation. Electron-microscopically, actin filaments, basement membranes, and electron-dense cytoplasmic bodies were noted in the spindle cells, and invaginated nuclei were observed in adenomatous cells. In contrast, foamy cells contained numerous lipid vacuoles in the cytoplasm. From these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as an atypical polypoid adenomyoma (benign mixed müllerian tumor) with sex-cord differentiation arising from the oviduct. This tumor was considered to be an exceedingly rare finding in the adolescent cynomolgus monkey.     

Atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGUS): clinical considerations and cytohistologic correlation

The diagnoses of atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGUS) made upon evaluation of cervical/vaginal (Pap) smears is examined to ascertain salient clinical and cytologic features that may lead to better characterization of the true nature of these lesions. Prior history of squamous dysplasia, age of the patient, and the occurrence of abnormal microbiopsy tissue fragments are investigated to determine their value in the proper evaluation of AGUS specimens. Of the 86,234 Pap smears submitted to our laboratory during a period of 2 yr, 187 (0.2%) were diagnosed as AGUS. Available follow-up in 128 (69%) cases revealed 54 (42%) significant tissue proven abnormalities, the majority (55%, 30 patients) of which were diagnosed as squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL). Squamous dysplasia is significantly more common in women younger than 40 (15/18, 83%) and in patients with prior history of SIL (29/30, 97%). In addition, all nine patients diagnosed with endometrial lesions on subsequent histology were older than 40. Age, however, was not a discriminating factor in women proven to have endocervical glandular lesions. Additionally, certain tissue fragment cytomorphologic features were significantly more often observed on follow-up in specific histologic diagnostic categories. The Pap smears of patients diagnosed with SIL were noted to contain tissue fragments composed of both dysplastic squamous and benign glandular cells in 29 of 30 (97%). The presence of two distinct populations of glandular tissue fragments (typical and atypical) was found in the Pap smears of all nine women with endometrial abnormalities and in the smears of most women subsequently diagnosed with endocervical glandular lesions (87%, 13/15). These observations suggest that a more specific and clinically useful Pap smear interpretation other than AGUS is often possible by consideration of the patient's age and prior history along with the correct identification of the type of atypical cells observed in abnormal tissue fragments.     

Cytomorphology of small-cell (neuroendocrine) carcinoma on ThinPrep cytology as compared to conventional smears

Small-cell (neuroendocrine) carcinoma of the female genital tract is an uncommon, aggressive neoplasm that occurs most commonly in the cervix and rarely in the vagina. Although the cytologic findings have been reported on conventional smears, the cytologic diagnosis of primary vaginal small-cell carcinoma on ThinPrep material has not been previously reported. We present a case of a 46-yr-old woman who underwent cervical/vaginal biopsies as a result of abnormal cells seen on the ThinPrep Pap Test. Small to medium-sized cells with scant cytoplasm were present singly and in loose, cohesive clusters. Nuclear molding was noted in a few cellular groups. The differential diagnosis included a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, small-cell (neuroendocrine) carcinoma, endometrial adenocarcinoma, and lymphoma. Subsequent tissue biopsies with immunohistochemical staining confirmed a diagnosis of small-cell carcinoma of the vagina. The cytologic features of small-cell (neuroendocrine) carcinoma on slides prepared by the ThinPrep Pap Test are discussed and compared to those on conventional cervicovaginal smears.     

Cytomorphologic characteristics of thermal injury related to endocervical brushing following loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is gaining popularity in the United States as an alternative to other ablative and cone methods of treatment for preneoplastic conditions of the uterine cervix The major advantage is that it is an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia. Post-LEEP evaluation of the endocervical canal can be accomplished by either endocervical curettage or cytobrush. We reviewed the immediate post-LEEP cytobrushes from 33 patients. Artifact related to the procedure was seen in all cases and included: 1) elongated endocervical cells with cytoplasmic “tails” and streaming nuclei (“taffy pulled”); 2) loose cellular aggregates with coalesced cytoplasm and “hockey stick” nuclei; 3) sheets of cells with frothy cytoplasm and shrunken thumbprinted nuclei; 4) nuclear enlargement; and 5) smudgy nuclear chromatin. The background ranged from bloody coagulum to watery proteinaceous material. Original diagnoses were negative in 25 cases. Eleven (44%) were considered abnormal on review. Of these, four were interpreted as having squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL), one was atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), and six had atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGUS). It was not always possible to grade the degree of dysplasia. There was review agreement with 14 negatives, one SIL, one ASCUS, and one unsatisfactory specimen. Three AGUS were upgraded to SIL, and one unsatisfactory specimen was considered atypical on review. In conclusion, it is possible to separate artifact from actual pathology on post-LEEP cytobrush specimens. Recognition of the characteristic changes seen on cytologic specimens obtained immediately following diathermy loop treatment will allow accurate identification of true abnormalities. Diagn Cytopathol 1996;14:212–215. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Adenoid basal carcinoma of the cervix: A potential pitfall in cervicovaginal cytology

Adenoid basal carcinoma (ABC) of the cervix is a quite uncommon, indolent, yet invasive neoplasm rarely identified on cervico-vaginal smears. This may be due in part to sampling. Unless ABCs become ulcerated, even vigorous brushing of the endocervical canal may not be adequate to dislodge the small, cohesive cells of this neoplasm. Fortunately, the association of ABC with squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) often results in its incidental diagnosis on follow-up cervical biopsy or endocervical curettage. We report two cases of ABC. In case 1, a 79-yr-old white woman was diagnosed with squamous-cell carcinoma on cervicovaginal (CV) smear. High-grade SIL, carcinoma in situ, and ABC were identified on subsequent cervical cone biopsy and hysterectomy. Retrospective evaluation of the CV smear revealed a few aggregates of small, uniform cells, with hyperchromatic nuclei representing fragments of ABC. In case 2, atypical basaloid cells suspicious for ABC were recognized on the CV smear of a 67-yr-old black woman, and ABC was subsequently confirmed on cervical cone biopsy. In neither case did the intervening cervical biopsy reveal ABC. In addition to a review of the clinical information useful in the diagnosis of ABC, the cytologic features of these two cases are compared with their subsequent histopathology and contrasted with other similar lesions comprising the differential diagnosis of small neoplastic cells found in cervicovaginal smears. Diagn Cytopathol 1996;14:172–177. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Endocervical adenomyoma. A case report with histochemical and immunohistochemical studies

We report a case of adenomyoma of endocervical type arising in a 44-year-old female. Grossly, a well-circumscribed tumor protruding from the right side of the uterine cervix was seen which was assumed to be an ovarian tumor by imaging studies carried out preoperatively. The tumor was composed of a mixture of proliferating glands of endocervical type and fascicles of smooth muscle cells. There was no distinct nuclear anaplasia in the proliferating glands, there were no architectural abnormalities, and there was no evidence of destructive stromal invasion such as desmoplasia. Minimal deviation adenocarcinoma, which shows a gastric phenotype with immunoreactivity for M-GGMC-1 and predominantly PAS-positive neutral mucin, was a serious diagnostic possibility, but the lesion was well-circumscribed, cytologic and architectural abnormalities were absent, and staining for M-GGMC-1 was negative, which suggested a diagnosis of endocervical adenomyoma. An increased Ki-67 labeling index by up to 20%, the presence of predominantly PAS-positive neutral mucin, and membranous immunoreactivity for CEA in limited areas were diagnostic pitfalls, which could lead to an erroneous diagnosis of minimal deviation adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix. Therefore, the results of these ancillary techniques should be interpreted with caution and combined with gross and light microscopic features.     

Carcinoid tumors of the lung: cytologic differential diagnosis in fine-needle aspirates

Pulmonary carcinoid tumors presenting as peripheral or coin lesions are rare and radiologically may resemble other primary or metastatic neoplasms in the lung. This study consisted of the cytologic evaluation of fine-needle aspirates from five peripheral carcinoid tumors of the lung with particular reference to the differences between the cytologic manifestations of this neoplasm and of small-cell carcinoma and well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. Aspirates of typical carcinoid tumors are characterized by isolated cells and loose aggregates of cells; spindle- and oval-shaped cells of uniform size with scanty, pale eosinophilic cytoplasm; and nuclei with evenly dispersed finely granular chromatin and usually prominent single micronucleoli with occasional macronucleoli. In contrast, the cells of small-cell carcinoma are pleomorphic and arranged in noncohesive loose aggregates, their cytoplasm is scanty, and they show nuclear molding. Their nuclei are hyperchromatic with fine to coarsely granular chromatin. The cells of well-differentiated adenocarcinoma are arranged in three-dimensional clusters or loose aggregates of relatively uniform cells with a columnar configuration. The nuclei are uniformly round and hyperchromatic with finely granular chromatin. Macronucleoli are usually prominent. This study demonstrates that cytologic analysis of fine-needle aspirates can play a significant role in the evaluation and management of peripheral lung tumors.