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A Mouse Model of Incompletely Resected Soft Tissue Sarcoma for Testing Neoadjuvant Therapies
Published on: July 28, 2020
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Soft Tissue Sarcoma Mimicking Melanoma: A Systematic Review
Fortunato Cassalia1, Francesco Cavallin2, Andrea Danese3
1Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy.
Cancers
|July 29, 2023
Summary
Sarcoma can mimic melanoma, complicating diagnosis. This review highlights cases misdiagnosed as melanoma, emphasizing the need for further investigation, particularly EWSR1 translocation analysis for accurate sarcoma diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Genetics
Background:
- Sarcoma and malignant melanoma share overlapping morphologic and immunohistochemical features.
- Distinguishing between these neoplasms poses diagnostic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review cases of sarcoma initially misdiagnosed as melanoma.
- To identify key diagnostic markers and genetic alterations.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE/Pubmed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases up to March 2023.
- Inclusion of case series and case reports following PRISMA guidelines.
Main Results:
- 34 patients from 23 case reports and 4 case series were analyzed.
- Commonly misidentified immunohistochemical markers included S100 (69%) and HMB45 (63%).
- EWSR1 translocation was positive in 94% of tested patients, with clear cell sarcoma being a frequent final diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Atypical lesions initially diagnosed as melanoma may represent sarcoma.
- Consideration of a second diagnostic opinion and investigation of EWSR1 translocation are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
