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Biomedical subjects

A Talerman

Publications and source records attributed to A Talerman.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor (androblastoma) with retiform pattern. A clinicopathologic study.

The clinicopathologic findings in nine patients with ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor with retiform pattern are described. The patients ranged in age from 11 months to 23 years; and seven patients were 12 years of age or younger. The most frequent presenting sign was the finding of an abdominal mass. This was associated with pain in five patients. In three patients the pain was severe due to torsion, causing an acute abdominal emergency. Slight virilization was observed in one patient only. Two patients had elevated serum alphafetoprotein (AFP), which correlated well with disease activity. The remaining patients had normal serum AFP. All the tumors were unilateral. At laparotomy the tumor was intact in six patients and ruptured in three. The tumors ranged from 8 to 22 cm, were round or oval, and cystic or solid and cystic. Eight tumors were in FIGO Stage I, and one was associated with abdominal metastases and was Stage III. Histologically, the retiform component varied from moderate to predominant in eight of the nine cases. In two tumors a heterologous component composed of striated muscle was also present. Three patients developed metastases. Two of the patients died 11 months and 2 years after diagnosis and the third patient was lost to follow-up with evidence of disease 2 years after diagnosis. The remaining six patients were well and disease-free for periods of 8 months to 6 years. The majority of these tumors were misinterpreted as serous papillary cystadenocarcinoma or endodermal sinus tumor, which are more malignant neoplasms requiring different therapy. This further underlines the importance of recognizing this histopathologic entity.

Adolescent

A stromal Leydig cell tumor of the ovary occurring in a pregnant 15-year-old girl. Ultrastructural findings.

The first case of stromal Leydig cell tumor of the ovary occurring during pregnancy is reported. A 15-year-old girl presented in labor at 36.5 weeks of gestation. The tumor mass was obstructing labor and the patient had to be delivered by cesarean section. Unique features of this case included the young age of the patient, the large size of the tumor, and the associated pregnancy. The tumor was encapsulated and showed the typical histologic and ultrastructural features of ovarian stromal Leydig cell tumor. The literature is reviewed, and the differential diagnosis is discussed.

Adolescent

The prognostic variability of ovarian tumor grading by different pathologists.

In a multicenter ovarian tumor study, it was shown that there are considerable differences between different pathologists when grading the same ovarian tumors. The question arises whether these differences in grading also reflect prognostic differences. To investigate this, the survival curves of the various tumor grades assigned to the same tumors by four different pathologists were investigated. The results of the present study indicate that tumor grade was strongly correlated with the prognosis, although there were considerable variations in the survival curves and in the five year survival of patients of the same grade assessed by the different pathologists. Five-year survival varied from 82 to 100% in the borderline tumors, from 49 to 80% in the well, and from 21 to 48% in the moderately differentiated tumor groups. Only the poorly differentiated cancers showed less variation. Similar interobserver differences were found in the histological typing and (strictly predefined) malignancy grades. The intraobserver variation, which was also tested after a 6-month interval, was somewhat lower, but was still present for each of the pathologists. These data clearly indicate the necessity for objective, sharply defined, reproducible criteria rather than subjective grades.

Cell Differentiation

Poorly differentiated (small cell) carcinoma of the ovary in young women: evidence supporting a germ cell origin.

The clinical and pathologic features, including immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy, of six cases of poorly differentiated carcinoma of the ovary (small cell carcinoma) are presented. These tumors occurred in six young patients ranging in age from 10 to 24 years. Two patients had hypercalcemia. All tumors were unilateral, and four patients had advanced stage disease at presentation. Histologic features included sheets, nests, and cords of cells in a fibrous stroma, focal microcysts, and a dimorphic population of small and large cells. Eosinophilic, hyaline globules occurred in five cases, intercellular basement membrane-like substance in two cases, and glycogen in all cases. Five of six cases stained strongly for cytokeratin and vimentin; intracytoplasmic laminin was identified in three cases; and three cases were believed to show faint positivity for alpha-1-antitrypsin. Stains for alpha-fetoprotein were negative. Ultrastructural examination of two cases showed granular material in dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum, intermediate filaments, intracytoplasmic dense globules, maculae adherens, and extracellular basement membrane-like material. All of the cases proved rapidly fatal despite various therapies, as did a histologically similar testicular tumor that was admixed with seminoma and teratoma. We interpret these findings to indicate that this ovarian cancer is most likely of germ cell origin, and it may be related to yolk sac tumor, although it is clearly distinct from the classical yolk sac tumor.

Adolescent

Alpha-lactalbumin in "common" epithelial tumors of the ovary. An immunohistochemical study.

Alpha-lactalbumin (AL) has been widely used as an immunohistochemical marker for mammary carcinoma. The authors have investigated the AL reactivity of 36 unselected ovarian epithelial neoplasms using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase immunoperoxidase technic. In eight serous cystadenocarcinomas, both the primary neoplasm and its metastases were examined. Of the 36 tumors, 7 (19.4%) showed positive staining for AL and 5 were of the serous type. The serous tumors showed moderate to strong staining reaction. Three serous cystadenocarcinomas were AL positive in both primary and metastatic sites, while the remaining five were negative in all sites. One mucinous cystadenoma and one clear cell carcinoma showed weak to moderately positive AL reactivity. There was no good correlation between AL positivity and the presence of malignancy or between AL positivity and tumor grade. In view of the relatively high AL reactivity in ovarian neoplasms, it is advisable to exercise caution in interpreting the presence of AL positivity as specific marker for mammary carcinoma.

Carcinoma

Gonadal endodermal sinus (yolk sac) tumor with pure intestinal differentiation: a new histologic type.

We studied 3 cases of a variant of endodermal sinus tumor (EST) or yolk sac tumor (YST). Two tumors originated in the ovary and one in the testis. The patients had very high levels of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). All three tumors had a characteristic histologic appearance and were composed of acinar structures lined by columnar epithelium with large, immature nuclei. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy, including freeze-fracture studies, confirmed that this unusual tumor is one with exclusive intestinal differentiation. We feel that this unique tumor is a pure EST (YST) with exclusive intestinal differentiation.

Adult

Testicular tumors other than germ cell tumors.

A heterogeneous group of neoplasms other than those of germ cell type may involve the testis. These tumors vary greatly in their histologic appearances and biologic behavior, and accurate pathologic interpretation is essential to patient care. This review of these various neoplasms emphasizes pathologic aspects, particularly problems in differential diagnosis that may arise.

Cysts

Lipid cell tumor of the ovary in reference to adult-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia and polycystic ovary syndrome. A case report.

A 30-year-old woman with a virilizing lipid tumor was initially suspected of having adult-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) when her plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) concentration was found to be very high (298-3,170 ng/dL), to drop in response to an overnight dexamethasone (dex) suppression test (79 ng/dL) and to rise briskly 15 minutes after ACTH administration (751 ng/dL). However, the effect of dex was not sustained or complete: the pregnanetriol excretion dropped only from 5.5 to 4.4 mg daily. Furthermore, the plasma testosterone was inappropriately high (235-537 ng/dL) for adult-onset CAH and was more responsive to endogenous and exogenous gonadotropin stimulation than to ACTH. In addition, there was no evidence of 11 beta-hydroxylation of 21-deoxycorticoids, as would be expected in CAH. Removal of the tumor completely reversed the virilization and the abnormal responses to ACTH and human chorionic gonadotropin. The contralateral ovary bore lipid-laden stromal cells in the deep paracortex that bore a striking resemblance to the tumor cells, and a cyst in that ovary had fluid with a steroid pattern virtually identical to that of the tumor, with an androstenedione: 17OHP ratio of 5:1. There was not evidence of polycystic ovary disease. The clinical picture of type II polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) gradually evolved over a one-year period postoperatively: plasma-free testosterone became mildly elevated and was not dex suppressible. The 17OHP response to ACTH became slightly excessive. However, there was no evidence of tumor on computed tomography.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone

Pseudosarcoma botyroides in pregnancy: report of a case with ultrastructural observations.

A case of pseudosarcoma botryoides of the vagina diagnosed in advanced pregnancy is described. The cellular characteristics (atypical cells and abnormal mitoses) suggested malignancy, but ultrastructural studies demonstrated the fibroblastic nature of the cells, thus confirming the diagnosis of pseudosarcoma. Local excision and subsequent cesarean section was the method of treatment. Three years later, another pregnancy was terminated by repeat cesarean section and uncontrollable hemorrhage requiring emergency hysterectomy. The histologic study of the bleeding area revealed very edematous areas and lacunaelike endothelium-lined vessels. No cellular abnormalities were observed.

Adult

Primary mucinous carcinoid tumor of the ovary.

A case of primary mucinous carcinoid tumor of the ovary occurring in a 37-year-old woman is described. The tumor, which replaced the left ovary, was accompanied by metastases in the contralateral ovary and para-aortic lymph nodes. Careful investigations excluded metastatic origin of the tumor. The tumor was solid, but contained an epidermoid cyst. There were no other teratomatous elements. The patient was treated with combination chemotherapy. A second-look operation 9 months following diagnosis revealed extensive microscopic involvement of the peritoneal cavity. The patient's condition deteriorated and she died 1 year after diagnosis. Detailed autopsy revealed peritoneal, pleural, lymphatic, and bone marrow carcinomatosis, but no evidence of a primary tumor elsewhere. Microscopic, ultrastructural, and immunocytochemical findings are described. It is considered that primary mucinous carcinoid tumor of the ovary represents a specific histopathologic entity. Unlike other types of primary ovarian carcinoid tumors, it behaves as an aggressive malignant neoplasm.

Adult

Morphometric data to FIGO stage and histological type and grade for prognosis of ovarian tumours.

The prognostic value of using histological typing, grading, and morphology, in addition to clinical staging, was assessed in 98 cases of invasive ovarian cancer of the common epithelial types (serous, mucinous, and endometrial). All of these cases had at least five years of follow up. When regression analysis was used, the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics' (FIGO) staging system was the best indicator for prognosis. Analysis of a combination of morphometric features was the second best indicator, being especially useful for the those patients with stage I disease. Variables that indicated a relatively poor prognostic outcome were mitotic index above 30; volume percentage epithelium above 65%; shortest nuclear axis above a mean of 1 X 1 micrometers. Histological typing of ovarian tumours was of limited value; mucinous tumours have a somewhat better prognosis than serous tumours, but the prognostic value of typing alone was found to be limited. Qualitative histological grading was useful, but the prognostic value of morphometric grading was better. Measurement of morphological features with an interactive computer program is simple and can be done by a pathologist or a technician: in future it is likely that such automated systems of measurement will improve the objectivity of tissue analysis.

Cell Nucleus

Grading ovarian tumors. Evaluation of decision making by different pathologists.

Although grading of ovarian tumors is widely performed, the criteria for each grade are not well defined; as a result, pathologists tend to establish their own criteria without, however, assessing the actual predictive value of the criteria. In order to investigate this relationship, four gynecologic pathologists independently reviewed and carefully graded as benign, borderline or malignant (grade I, II or III) 40 "common" epithelial tumors of the ovary, without reference to clinical, prognostic or other findings. Intermediate grades were allowed. Subsequently, a subjective grading form was completed for each case; the form contained questions regarding the histologic and cytologic features. The sets of features with the biggest correlation with the tumor grades differed among the pathologists. This may indicate that the observers use different features in their grading processes. Moreover, the pathologist with the highest number (five) of significant microscopic features in the multivariate model had the lowest coefficient of correlation between his tumor grade and his feature set. The correlation coefficients for the other pathologists were quite similar, although the features used (no more than two or three) varied. The participants in the study felt that the methodologic approach had an educational value for them. Further investigations are required to evaluate whether the differences in the underlying decision making process also result in frank disagreement in ovarian tumor grading.

Carcinoma

Interpathologist and intrapathologist disagreement in ovarian tumor grading and typing.

In order to evaluate possible differences in the typing and grading of ovarian tumors, four different gynecologic pathologists independently evaluated slides from 198 patients. Histologic typing was done using the WHO recommendations, and the tumors were graded as benign, borderline or malignant (well, moderately or poorly differentiated). All of the slides were assessed twice by each pathologist (with approximately a 12-month time interval) in a "blind" fashion (i.e., without any knowledge about stage, treatment and clinical outcome). In addition to assessing interobserver agreement, the intraobserver consistency was evaluated by comparing the first and second assessments of the same pathologist. Histologic grading showed the best correlation between observers' results; however, the level of agreement was low. Complete agreement was rare, both in the first and second assessments (18.7% and 32.8%, respectively). Complete disagreement was rare, but occurred, both in the first and second assessments. Agreement in histologic typing was rather good after panel discussions; further analysis of the data revealed that the lack of agreement could not be attributed to any one of the pathologists in particular. The intraobserver agreement in grading and typing the same tumor differed. The number of cases with more than one grade difference between the first and second assessments varied from 0.5% to 3.2% between the different pathologists. Complete consistency was also varied: 87%, 78%, 64% and 62%. Histologic typing in general was less consistent, although some pathologists were better than others. The results indicate the need for objective criteria for grading ovarian tumors.

Carcinoma

Anterior mediastinal endodermal sinus (yolk sac) tumor in a female infant.

The first known case of primary anterior mediastinal endodermal sinus (yolk sac) tumor in a female patient, occurring in a 20-month-old infant, is reported. The child presented with cough, fever, and listlessness. Chest x-ray revealed a right anterior mediastinal mass. At thoracotomy a large anterior mediastinal tumor extending from the neck to the diaphragm was found, and was almost totally resected. Microscopically, the tumor displayed many of the histologic patterns observed in EST. Other neoplastic germ cell elements were not identified. The ultrastructural and immunohistochemical findings further confirmed the diagnosis. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, determined during surgery, was elevated to 65,200 ng/ml, whereas serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin level was normal. Postoperatively, combination chemotherapy consisting of vinblastine, bleomycin, cisplatin, dactinomycin, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin was administered with a maintenance program. After 18 weeks on this regimen all the findings were normal, including serum AFP level. The child is well and disease-free 25 months after diagnosis.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols

Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma in a 13-year-old girl. Report of a case and review of the literature.

A case of diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma in a 13-year-old girl is described. The patient had a short history of abdominal pain, distention, and tenderness. At laparotomy she was found to have ascites and numerous nodules and plaques affecting the peritoneal cavity and the omentum. A diagnosis of diffuse pseudotumoral deciduosis was made, which on review was revised to malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. The patient's condition gradually deteriorated and she died 8 months after diagnosis in spite of administration of combination chemotherapy.

Adipose Tissue

Cellular differentiation in ovarian sex-cord-stromal and germ-cell tumors studied with antibodies to intermediate-filament proteins.

Seventy ovarian sex-cord-stromal and germ-cell tumors were immunohistochemically studied for the presence of intermediate-filament proteins of different types used as markers for cellular differentiation. Cells of ovarian granulosa-cell tumors constantly expressed vimentin and appeared to lack cytokeratin. Two tumors previously classified as granulosa-cell tumors were reclassified as poorly differentiated "common" epithelial tumors based on their cytokeratin positivity, vimentin negativity, and morphologic features. Dysgerminomas and Leydig-cell tumors showed only vimentin positivity. Tubular structures in androblastomas, which are considered to represent Sertoli-cell differentiation, were cytokeratin positive, and thus differed from the majority of normal Sertoli cells that are known to express vimentin and not cytokeratin. Embryonal carcinomas, choriocarcinomas, and endodermal sinus tumors showed cytokeratin positivity in the neoplastic cells whereas vimentin was observed in the stromal cells. In immature teratomas, epithelial differentiation was demonstrated with cytokeratin antibodies, and neural and glial differentiation was also frequently demonstrated by immunostaining with antibodies to neurofilaments and glial fibrillary acidic protein. The results show that antibodies to intermediate filaments can be used in the differential diagnosis between ovarian epithelial and nonepithelial tumors, and they provide a very accurate additional method to characterize the cellular differentiation of ovarian neoplasms.

Animals