Cytologic features of undifferentiated and dedifferentiated carcinomas of the endometrium Journal Article
| Authors: | Akbari, A. H.; Wang, L.; Soslow, R. A.; Murali, R. |
| Article Title: | Cytologic features of undifferentiated and dedifferentiated carcinomas of the endometrium |
| Abstract: | Background: Undifferentiated carcinoma (UC) is a rare, aggressive subtype of endometrial carcinoma. Dedifferentiated carcinomas (DCs) are UCs associated with a component of well differentiated endometrioid carcinoma. The authors sought to describe the morphologic features of UCs and DCs in cytologic specimens. Methods: Cytologic specimens from 23 women (aged 46-86 years; median age, 59 years) were reviewed, including cervicovaginal specimens (n = 7), peritoneal washings (n = 5), touch preparations of core biopsies from various sites (n = 5), fine-needle biopsies of lymph nodes (n = 3), ascitic fluid (n = 1), pleural fluid (n = 1), and intrauterine fluid (n = 1). Results: There were 10 UCs (43%) and 13 DCs (57%). Tumor cells were arranged as single cells (9 UCs, 90%; 12 DCs, 92%) and 3-dimensional groups (8 UCs, 80%; 11 DCs, 85%). Most cases showed high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratios. Nuclear molding was observed in 3 UCs (30%) and in 5 DCs (38%). Nuclear chromatin was often coarsely granular 6 UCs, 60%; 9 DCs, 69%). Nucleoli were inconspicuous in some cases (6 UCs, 60%; 8 DCs, 62%) but were appreciable in others. Necrosis was observed in 5 UCs (50%) and in 5 DCs (38%). Most cases exhibited clean backgrounds, and a few showed acute inflammation. Comparison of the cytologic features of UCs and DCs did not reveal any statistically significant differences. Conclusions: UCs and DCs have a spectrum of cytomorphologic appearances that are not pathognomonic, but the presence of some of these (relatively uniform population of predominantly singly dispersed cells with high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratios and variably conspicuous nucleoli) should prompt consideration of UC and DC in the differential diagnosis. © 2020 American Cancer Society |
| Keywords: | undifferentiated carcinoma; cytology; uterus; endometrium; dedifferentiated carcinoma |
| Journal Title: | Cancer Cytopathology |
| Volume: | 129 |
| Issue: | 2 |
| ISSN: | 1934-662X |
| Publisher: | John Wiley & Sons |
| Date Published: | 2021-02-01 |
| Start Page: | 121 |
| End Page: | 131 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1002/cncy.22351 |
| PUBMED: | 32937020 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| PMCID: | PMC7854522 |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | Article -- Export Date: 1 March 2021 -- Source: Scopus |
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