Malignant mesenchymal tumors of the uterus - time to advocate a genetic classification.
Sarcomas are rare uterine tumors with leiomyosarcomas and endometrial stromal sarcomas constituting the predominant entities often making their first appearance in young and middle-aged women. By histology combined with immunostaining alone some of these tumors can offer diagnostic challenges e.g. for the differential diagnosis between leiomyosarcomas and smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP). Areas covered: Recent advances in the genetic classification and subclassification, respectively, have shown that genetic markers can offer a valuable adjunct to conventional diagnostic tools. Herein, we will review these recent data from the literature also referring to genetic alterations found in STUMP, endometrial stromal nodules, and leiomyomas including their variants. Expert commentary: For the future, we consider genetic classification as a necessary step in the clinical management of these tumors which will help not only to improve the diagnosis but also the therapy of these malignancies often associated with a worse prognosis.
a Center for Human Genetics , University of Bremen , Bremen , Germany.
Birgit
B
Rommel
b Institute of Medical Genetics , University Rostock Medical Center , Rostock , Germany.
Carsten
C
Holzmann
b Institute of Medical Genetics , University Rostock Medical Center , Rostock , Germany.
Jörn
J
Bullerdiek
D000818:Animals; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007890:Leiomyosarcoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D008637:Mesenchymoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis; D018203:Sarcoma, Endometrial Stromal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D018235:Smooth Muscle Tumor / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology
Uterine tumors; diagnosis; endometrial stromal sarcomas; genetic classification; hyperhaploidy; leiomyosarcomas; monosomy 14; monosomy 22; retinoblastoma gene; uterine sarcomas