Aggressive angiomyxoma [corrected] of the female genital tract and pelvis--clinicopathologic features with immunohistochemical analysis.

ABSTRACT

Aggressive angiomyxoma (AA) is a benign, slow-growing tumor that characteristically occurs in women of reproductive age. Local recurrence is cited in 30% to 40% of cases. Wide local excision is the treatment of choice. However, recent reports suggest a role for hormone manipulation in the management of these tumors. The morphology and immunophenotype of AA overlap with that of other, mainly benign vulvovaginal mesenchymal tumors. Diagnosis rests primarily on hematoxylin and eosin staining features, and distinction is important in determining appropriate treatment and follow-up. Rearrangement of HMGA2 has been shown in AA, and reports suggest that HMGA2 immunohistochemistry may have a role in the routine diagnosis of AA, its distinction from mimics, and in the evaluation of margins. Furthermore, CDK4 immunopositivity has been described in AA. We describe a series of 9 cases of AA with typical histology and long-term follow-up, and evaluate the role of HMGA2, CDK4, estrogen, and progesterone immunohistochemistry. One of 9 women (11%) experienced recurrence, with the second at 17 years, which is the longest recorded in the English literature. HMGA2 immunohistochemistry was positive in 37.5% of cases, consistent with the reported frequency of HMGA2 gene rearrangement, and negative in all benign mimics. CDK4 immunoreactivity was weak, diagnostically not helpful, and of uncertain significance. Immunohistochemistry for estrogen and progesterone were positive in 87.5% of AAs, and were widely positive in control groups.