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Review
. 2022 May;43(3):196-201.
doi: 10.1007/s00292-022-01064-6. Epub 2022 Apr 12.

[Practical diagnostic aspects of uterine leiomyosarcoma in the context of the 2020 WHO classification]

[Article in German]
Affiliations
Review

[Practical diagnostic aspects of uterine leiomyosarcoma in the context of the 2020 WHO classification]

[Article in German]
Lars-Christian Horn et al. Pathologe. 2022 May.

Abstract

The 2020 WHO Classification defines the spindle cell, epithelioid, and myxoid variants as subtypes of uterine leiomyosarcomas (LMS). Presence of cellular atypia (size variation of polymorphic nuclei > 2-3:1), tumor cell necroses, and mitotic count (usually ≥ 10 MF/10 HPF) are still the key features for diagnostic separation from uterine leiomyomas. Preanalytic variables, staining quality, as well as intralesional geographic distribution may affect the mitotic count. Smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) still exist as a not yet well-characterized diagnostic entity. Immunohistochemical stains against p16, p53, Ki-67, and WT‑1 may aid differential diagnosis in selected cases. Diagnostic molecular pathology is not yet relevant for diagnosis.

Die WHO-Klassifikation 2020 unterscheidet das spindelzellige, epitheloide und myxoide Leiomyosarkom (LMS) als morphologische Varianten. Diagnostische Parameter zur Unterscheidung zum Leiomyom sind nach wie vor nukleäre Atypien (Kerngrößenschwankungen > 2–3: 1), die Mitosezahl (meist ≥ 10 Mitosen/10 HPF bei 0,55 mm Gesichtsfelddurchmesser bzw. 0,24 mm2 Fläche) und Tumorzellnekrosen. Diese morphologischen Kriterien haben in Abhängigkeit vom histologischen Subtyp unterschiedliche Bedeutung. Bei der Ermittlung der Mitosezahl sind präanalytische, färbetechnische und tumorgeografische Aspekte zu beachten. Der STUMP ist nach wie vor die histopathologisch am schlechtesten charakterisierte Entität. Immunhistochemische Färbungen mit p53, p16, Ki-67 und WT‑1 können zur Abgrenzung von Leiomyomata zum Teil hilfreich sein. Molekularpathologische Untersuchungen spielen in der Differenzialdiagnostik derzeit (noch) eine untergeordnete Rolle.

Keywords: Differential diagnosis; Histopathology; Immunohistochemistry; Tumor suppressor protein p53; Uterus.

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References

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