Laboratory investigation, genetics, and experimental models in sarcomas.
The sarcomas, particularly those of soft-tissue origin, pose substantial diagnostic challenges for the clinician and pathologist. Several small round cell sarcomas, including Ewing's sarcoma, peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor, and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, can be difficult to distinguish from one another. These same sarcomas can be difficult to distinguish from other small round cell tumors, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and neuroblastoma. Spindle cell sarcomas, including malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, synovial sarcoma, and leiomyosarcoma, present similar diagnostic challenges. This review discusses 1) recent advances in immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and cytogenetics that enable a specific diagnosis in virtually all sarcoma cases; 2) cell biology and oncogenetic implications of novel morphologic and genetic findings in sarcomas; and 3) clinical implications of the recent characterization of several family cancer syndrome genes.
Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
J A
JA
Fletcher
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D012513:Sarcoma, Experimental / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology