Epithelioid sarcoma:a report of 8 cases and review of literature

Objective:To explore the clinicopathological characteristics and immunophonetype of the epithelioid sarcoma(ES). Methods:Eight cases of ES were observed microscopically by using routine methods and immunohistochemical techniques (S-P method),and the related literature were reviewed. Results:Eight cases of ES included 5 males and 3 females with mean age of 42. 9 years. Three cases of distal type ES developed in the forearms and characterized by the formation of irregular nodules with central necrosis which were surrounded by epithelioid cells. While in the other 5 cases of proximal type ES occurred in the vulva, chest and neck, respectively. Epithelioid and rhabdoid cells formed large sheets or disturbed diffusely. The tumor cells showed marked atypia and more mitotic figures in this type. Most tumor cells expressed CK(8/8), vimentin(8/8),EMA(6/8),CD99(5/5),NSE(4/5),and CA125(4/5). While the other markers were almost negative. Conclusions:Epithelioid sarcoma could be divided into distal and proximal types based on the developed location of the tumors which were different histopathologically. The same immunophenotypes including positive expression for CK, EMA, vimentin, etc are helpful to the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of soft tissue neoplasms with epithelioid cells.