Nonrandom cytogenetic changes in leiomyomas of the female genitourinary tract. A report of 35 cases

Abstract

Cytogenetic analysis of short-term cultures from 35 leiomyomas of the female genitourinary tract showed abnormal karyotypes in 14 cases. In 11 of 14 aberrant tumors, normal cells were also observed. Structural changes were most frequent, resulting in modal chromosome numbers in the diploid range. Our data confirm preferential breakpoint clusters at 7q, 12q14-15, and 14q23-24, mainly resulting from consistent, specific chromosome rearrangements such as t(12;14)(q14-15;q23-24) and del(7)(q21) or del(7)(q22q32). Together with previously published cases, we describe trisomy 12, ring chromosomes, and monosomy 22 as new additional recurrent findings in myomas. Statistical analyses of possible coherencies between tumor karyotype (abnormal versus normal) and clinicopathologic data, as well as age of the patients, menopausal status, and tumor size showed no correlations.