Diagnostic value of hyaline globules in endodermal sinus tumor: report of two cases

Two cases of ovarian endodermal sinus tumor are reported. The cytologic preparations were obtained from ascitic and/or autopsy specimens. The findings on Papanicolaou-stained smears included clustering of malignant cells, pleomorphism of nuclei and cytoplasmic vacuolization and thus resembled those seen in cases of mucinous cystoadenocarcinoma of the ovary. Hyaline globules, characteristic of the alpha-fetoprotein-synthesizing (AFP-synthesizing) cells found in endodermal sinus tumor, were observed inside the cells with periodic-acid-Schiff (PAS) stain. The presence of PAS-positive hyaline globules can be regraded, therefore, as a diagnostic clue to endodermal sinus tumor in an appropriate clinical setting and in the presence of AFP production.