[Clinico-pathologic analysis of 26 cases of leiomyoma of the vagina].
OBJECTIVE
To study the clinicopathological features, the histogenesis, and the correlation between the expressions of estrogen receptor(ER) and epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) in leiomyoma of the vagina.


METHODS
The data of 26 patients with leiomyoma of the vagina were analyzed retrospectively, and S-P immunohistochemistry was used to detect smooth muscle actin(SMA), S-100 protein, CD34, ER and EGFR in the tumor tissues.


RESULTS
All patients with leiomyoma of the vagina in this group were married women, with age ranging from 30 to 52 years (mean, 44.5 years). Leiomyoma of the vagina was slow in growth and occasionally recurred with borderline and malignant transformation. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated to be strongly positive for SMA, and negative for S-100 protein and CD34 in all cases. Positive expression rates for ER and EGFR were 38.5 (10/26) and 34.6 (9/26) respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between the expressions of ER and EGFR (Fisher exact, P = 0.0023, r = 0.75). Resection of the tumor mass was an effective method to cure the disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Leiomyoma of the vagina is a rare condition, which may be derived from stem cells of mesenchyma of the vagina differentiating towards smooth muscle. The estrogen hormone and EGF may play an important role in the development and growth of leiomyoma of the vagina. Follow-up is needed after operation for the patient with borderline tumor.
Zhao
Yong
Y
Department of Pathology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China. zhaoyong-5673@163.com
Li
Yuanyuan
Y
Xu
Yuanhao
Y
D000328:Adult; D018952:Antigens, CD34 / Q000032:analysis; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis; D014625:Vaginal Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy
D018952:Antigens, CD34; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D066246:ErbB Receptors