[Synovial sarcoma of the abdominal wall]

A case of a synovial sarcoma arising in the abdominal wall in a 60-year-old man is reported. Histologically, a characteristic biphasic cellular pattern with epithelium-like cell complex and fibrosarcomatous spindle cell area was found. Mucinous materials within the epithelium-like cells, intercellular clefts and pseudoglandular spaces stained positively with PAS, alcian blue, colloid iron and mucicarmine stain. The staining characteristics of these materials remained unchanged after treatment with diastase and hyaluronidase. This histochemical finding makes the diagnosis of a peritoneal mesothelioma unlikely. A brief review of previously reported cases of synovial sarcoma arising in the abdominal wall is also presented.