[A heterologous mesodermal tumor of the uterus of the pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma type]

In the available literature mesodermal tumours of the uterus are described under various names (botryoid sarcoma, carcinocarcoma, chondrosarcoma, rabdomyosarcoma, etc.). For the sake of unification of terminology of these tumours, Kehrer suggested the term "mesodermal mixed tumours", thereby reflecting their origin from cellular elements of the mesoderma. Histologically, benign and malignant variants of tumours are identified; these tumours are characterized by multi-component composition of tissues forming integral parts thereof, the latter may be homologous or heterologous. Clinically, the said tumours are diagnosed in rare cases. Diagnosis is made on the basis of a microscopical investigation of a scrape from the uterine cavity, or investigation of the operation material. Heterologic tumours of the uterus of the type of rabdomyosarcoma have been described by a number of authors. As to their microscopical structure, they may be divided into embryonal, alveolar and pleomorphous. A case of heterologic mesodermal tumour, verified as a pleomorphous rabdomyosarcoma, which could develop in a long existed mesodermal tumour of the uterus in a woman 67 years of age, is described.