Translocation (9;22)(q22;q12). A recurrent chromosome abnormality in extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma

Cytogenetic analysis of a case of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma revealed a reciprocal translocation between 9q and 22q in almost all metaphases analyzed. Structural rearrangements involving 9q and 22q have been reported previously in three cases of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma. The breakpoints on chromosomes 9 and 22 in the present case were in regions 9q22-q31 and 22q11-q12.2, respectively. The same breakpoints were present in all three previously reported cases. Thus, this recently identified rearrangement of 9q and 22q may serve as a critical cytogenetic parameter for the diagnosis and classification of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma, as well as being a primary chromosomal event in the course of development of this rare malignancy.