DNA content and morphological parameters in synovial sarcoma and synovioma

By using image analysis technique with 6 normal synovial tissue specimens as controls, nuclear DNA content and morphological parameters in specimens from 51 synovial sarcomas and 15 synovioma were examined quantitatively. The DNA content in synovial sarcoma and synovioma was significantly different (P < 0.01), and that of synovioma and normal synovial tissue was also different (P < 0.05). Morphological parameters including nuclear areas and perimeters differed significantly among the above three groups (P < 0.01). There was no correlation between the DNA content of synovial sarcoma and its histologic type (P > 0.05), but the DNA content greatly differed between its higher and lower differentiated grade in each type (P < 0.01). The DNA content in synovial sarcoma IIA stage, according to Enneking's staging system was lower than that in IIB, IIIA and IIIB (P < 0.05). The 5-year survival rate of synovial sarcoma with diploid/nearly diploid (D/ND) pattern was higher than that of aneuploid (AN) pattern (P = 0.028). The study suggests that analysis of the DNA content and morphological parameters of tumor cells is helpful in the diagnosis and pathologic grading of synovial sarcoma. It also provides a guide to clinical operation and estimation of the prognosis. Although synovioma is usually a well-differentiated and benign lesion, this investigation also suggested that increased DNA content may be an indication of poor prognosis for this neoplasm.