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Molecularly confirmed primary prostatic synovial sarcoma.
M Fritsch1, J I Epstein, E J Perlman
1Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Human Pathology
|February 24, 2000
Summary
The second primary prostatic synovial sarcoma was confirmed using molecular analysis. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) identified the SYT-SSX gene fusion, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Pathology
- Genetics
Background:
- Primary prostatic synovial sarcoma is exceedingly rare.
- Diagnostic challenges arise from atypical morphology and non-specific immunohistochemistry.
Observation:
- The tumor exhibited spindle-cell and poorly differentiated round-cell morphologies without epithelial differentiation.
- Immunohistochemical staining provided inconclusive results.
Findings:
- Molecular confirmation was achieved through reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
- The characteristic SYT-SSX gene fusion specific to synovial sarcoma was identified.
Implications:
- This case highlights the critical role of molecular techniques in diagnosing challenging tumors.
- RT-PCR is essential for confirming prostatic synovial sarcoma when conventional methods are insufficient.