The cytopathology of synovial sarcoma: a study of six cases, with emphasis on architecture and histopathologic correlation.
BACKGROUND
In this article, the architectural and cytologic features of synovial sarcoma are described.


METHODS
Romanowsky- and Papanicolaou-stained fine-needle aspiration smears and corresponding hematoxylin and eosin sections were retrieved from archival material and examined by light microscopy.


RESULTS
Microtissue fragments comprised of spindle cells dominated smears and correlated with fibrosarcoma-like areas prevalent in tissue sections. Characteristic fascicular and whorled patterns were apparent, and matrix material representing collagenous stroma varied from fibrillary to hyalinized. Epithelial components included polygonal and rectangular cells isolated from spindle cells, gland-like formations occurring within otherwise spindle cell microtissue fragments, and clubbed, spindle cell collections lined by flattened epithelial cells.


CONCLUSIONS
Features of synovial sarcoma as defined previously by histopathology were apparent in cytologic preparations, facilitating a primary diagnosis by cytology.
Ryan
M R
MR
Department of Surgical Pathology, Washington University Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
Stastny
J F
JF
Wakely
P E
PE
D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004848:Epithelium / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D013584:Sarcoma, Synovial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*