Primary peritoneal malignant mixed mesodermal (Müllerian) tumor.
OBJECTIVE
Malignant mixed mesodermal tumor (MMMT) is a biphasic neoplasm (carcinosarcoma) composed of both epithelial and mesenchymal elements. Extragenital MMMT, including primary peritoneal MMMT, is an extremely rare tumor with features consistent with its origin from the secondary Müllerian system. The neoplastic elements of extragenital MMMT presumably arise directly from the mesothelium or submesothelial stroma and hence parallel the biphasic pattern of the genital (uterine or ovarian) counterpart.


METHODS
Here we report on the clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemical features of a case of peritoneal MMMT in a 65-year-old woman. The patient presented with abdominal fullness and pain. Gynecological examination revealed a huge pelvic abdominal mass. On histology, the tumor consisted of poorly differentiated carcinomatous and sarcomatous (rhabdomyosarcoma) components. Further immunohistochemical analysis revealed positive reactivity for both epithelial (cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen) and mesenchymal (vimentin, S-100, and desmin) markers. The patient refused treatment and died of the disease three months later.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on the present case and on previous studies, primary peritoneal MMMT seems to be a rare but highly malignant neoplasm with an aggressive behavior and poor prognosis. Its exact origin, histogenesis and molecular alterations are poorly understood.
Hussein
Mahmoud R
MR
Department of Pathology, Assir Central (Abha, KSA) and Assuit University Hospitals, Assuit University, Assuit, Egypt. mrcpath17@gmail.com
Hussein
Saad Rezk Abudlwahed
SR
Abd-Elwahed
Ahmad Rezk
AR
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D018200:Mixed Tumor, Mullerian / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D010534:Peritoneal Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*