The vaginal spindle cell epithelioma: a case report, review of the literature and discussion of potential histogenesis.

ABSTRACT

The so-called mixed tumors occur in a variety of sites throughout the body. While most cases are encountered in the salivary glands, several cases have been described in the female genital tract. A variety of monikers have been applied to this lesion including "spindle cell epithelioma." As in other locations, the vaginal spindle cell epithelioma (VSE) consists of a proliferation of both epithelial and mesenchymal components. Based on our extensive review of the literature, we present the 53rd reported case of VSE. More significantly, we present the most up-to-date review of this lesion, including its immunohistochemical and electron microscopic features. We also review the theories pertaining to its histogenesis incorporating current embryologic data, which together suggest a Müllerian derivation.