Evaluation of fluorescence in-situ hybridization in monomorphic endometrial stromal neoplasms and their histological mimics: a review of 49 cases.

AIMS: To perform a population-based review of monomorphic endometrial stromal tumours and their histological mimics presenting over a 20-year period, including an evaluation of fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) for the JAZF1 and YWHAE breakaparts.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-nine tumours were examined, comprising 13 histological mimics and 36 endometrial stromal tumours [six stromal nodules (ESNs), 25 low-grade stromal sarcomas (ESSs), and five monomorphic undifferentiated sarcomas (mUESs)]. Nine ESSs showed variant histological patterns, including smooth muscle, sex cord-like/glandular, fibrous or rhabdoid differentiation. Three ESSs were initially misclassified as benign uterine lesions, and, conversely, three benign mimics were originally reported as ESSs. One mUES showed a prominent pseudopapillary pattern. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization demonstrated JAZF1 breakaparts in five of six ESNs and 16 of 25 ESSs; however, only three of nine ESS variants were positive. YWHAE breakaparts were present in four of five mUESs. Analysis of a subsequent metastasis in the YWHAE breakapart-negative mUES demonstrated a YWHAE deletion. None of the histological mimics was positive in FISH analysis. Diffuse cyclin D1 expression was restricted to mUESs in this series.

CONCLUSIONS: Endometrial stromal neoplasms continue to present diagnostic difficulty. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization analysis is helpful in distinguishing stromal tumours from their histological mimics and in distinguishing ESS from mUES.