Cytogenetics of Mesenchymal Tumors of the Female Genital Tract.

A great diversity of chromosome alterations have been reported in mesenchymal tumors of the female genital tract, particularly in the uterus. Some of these alterations specifically identify a certain tumor type. Cytogenetic studies on benign proliferations have not only demonstrated clonal chromosome changes, but have also pointed out clustering of aberrations to specific chromosome regions. For example, distinct cytogenetic subgroups have been described in uterine leiomyomas with overlapping histologic features. These findings may ultimately correlate with specific parameters, such as course of the disease, response to therapy, and recurrence. Moreover, such data may give a clue to an understanding of the biologic basis for distinctive behavior of benign versus malignant mesenchymal proliferations. No specific chromosomal abnormalities have been described in malignant mesenchymal tumors, with the exception of low-grade endometrial stromal sarcomas. This article reviews the information currently available on genetic changes in mesenchymal tumors of the female genital tract and, more specifically, those reported in the uterus, where they have been more frequently studied.