Extrauterine Epithelioid Trophoblastic Tumors Presenting as Primary Lung Carcinomas

Gestational trophoblastic disease: STR genotyping for precision diagnosis

INTRODUCTION

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) encompasses a constellation of rare to common gynecologic conditions stemming from aberrant gestations with distinct genetic backgrounds and variable degrees of trophoblast proliferation of either neoplastic or non-neoplastic nature. GTD is categorized into hydatidiform moles and gestational trophoblastic neoplasms, and their clinical outcomes vary widely across different subtypes. Prompt and accurate diagnosis plays a pivotal role in the effective management and prognostication of patients. Short tandem repeats (STRs) are repetitive DNA sequences dispersed throughout the human genome and inherit a tremendous genetic polymorphism among individuals. Widely recognized for its applications in forensic identity and paternity testing, the relevance of STR genotyping in the diagnosis of GTD has emerged as an essential ancillary test in the classification and management of GTD of both non-neoplastic hydatidiform moles and gestational trophoblastic tumors.

AREA COVERED

This review discusses fundamental principles, laboratory operation, and diagnostic interpretations of STR genotyping in the context of diagnosis and differential diagnosis of GTD. PubMed was searched for all references up to 2024.

EXPERT OPINION

STR genotyping is the gold standard in the diagnosis and subclassification of hydatidiform moles and has an important application in diagnostic workup and risk stratifications of gestational trophoblastic tumors as well.

Clinicopathological characteristics and oncologic outcomes of patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia manifesting as isolated pulmonary lesions

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the clinicopathological characteristics and oncological outcomes of a special group of patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) initially presenting with isolated lung lesions, elevated human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels, and unobserved pelvic lesions.

METHODS

Overall, 2358 patients with GTN treated at our hospital between 2000 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed, and 40 patients were evaluated. The demographic characteristics, clinicopathological features, treatment data, and follow-up information of each patient were collected. The primary outcome was progression free survival. Kaplan-Meier analysis and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses were used to identify the risk factors.

RESULTS

Among the 40 patients, 95.0 % had solitary lung lesions, with a median size of 1.9 cm. Moreover, 72.5 % of patients were pathologically confirmed as epithelioid trophoblastic tumors (ETT). During a median follow-up period of 53.5 months (range, 2-143), 11 patients experienced recurrence, including all patients who received chemotherapy alone as the initial treatment, and no death was observed. Relapse treatment involved lung segmentectomy and lobectomy combined with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses identified comparing with surgery±chemotherapy, chemotherapy alone as the initial treatment (hazard ratio [HR] =7.738, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.698-35.269, P = 0.008) as independent risk factor for recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with a history of pregnancy exhibiting isolated pulmonary lesions, elevated hCG levels (mostly <1000 mIU/mL), and unobserved pelvic lesions, ETT should be considered first. Surgical resection of lung lesion is crucial for optimal management. When chemotherapy is considered, multidrug regimen is recommended.

Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor with lung metastasis: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT) is an extremely rare variant of gestational trophoblastic neoplasms (GTNs). The biological behavior and therapeutic schedule of ETT remains to be defined which frequently poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Although ETT is a relatively indolent malignancy tumor, the therapeutic efficacy and survival rate decrease significantly when presented with metastases. The lung is the most common site of ETT metastasis.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 39-year-old female patient presented with irregular vaginal bleeding and slight distention pain in lower abdomen.

DIAGNOSES

The patient was diagnosed ETT with lung metastasis after surgery and immunohistochemical staining.

INTERVENTIONS

A total abdominal hysterectomy plus bilateral salpingectomy and histopathology were performed. The patient received 3 cycles of etoposide, methotrexate, actinomycin-D/etoposide, cisplatin (EMA/EP) regimen chemotherapy after surgery. Due to the presence of lung metastasis, she received pulmonary lesion resection and another cycle of postoperative chemotherapy.

OUTCOMES

The patients showed a good response to treatment initially. However, the patient did not complete the full initial treatment for family reasons and had signs of recurrence after 2.5 months. The serum β-hCG level gradually elevated and the lung imaging showed that the lesion area gradually expanded. After 15 months of follow-up, the patient declined further treatment due to a lack of presenting symptoms.

LESSONS

The diagnosis of ETT should be taken into consideration in patients with abnormal vaginal bleeding and low levels of β-hCG. Patients with metastatic disease should be treated with complete surgical resection and intensive combination chemotherapy to maximize the opportunity for cure. Targeted biological agents might be potential therapeutic strategies for chemotherapy-resistant or recurrent patients.

Germ Cell Tumor of the Testis: Lethal Subtypes of a Curable Cancer

Germ cell tumor of the testis (GCT) is a curable cancer even when it is widely metastatic; however, outcomes can differ based on tumor histology. Chemo-resistance in certain phenotypes, such as teratoma and yolk sac tumor, contributes to poor clinical outcomes in some patients with GCT. Despite this resistance to S-YSTemic therapy, many of these tumor subtypes remain amenable to surgical resection and possible cure. In this study, we report on a series of seven patients highlighting two chemo-resistant subtypes of nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT), sarcomatoid yolk sac tumor (S-YST), and epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT) for which early resection rather than additional salvage chemotherapy or high-dose intense chemotherapy might provide a superior clinical outcome and enhance cure rate.

Primary epithelioid trophoblastic tumor of the lung: A case report

ABSTRACT

Primary epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT) of the lung is exceedingly rare. Only about three cases have been reported in Pubmed and worldwide literature. We presented a case of multiple primary ETT of the lung occurring in a 33-year-old Chinese female patient. Comprehensive physical examinations revealed no evidence of a primary lesion on the uterus or cervix uteri. Microscopic examination of the tumor demonstrated ETT of the lung, which was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining and declining level of beta-human choriogonadotropin ( β -HCG) after the operation. Our case revealed that the ETT can occur in the lung and should be considered when a female had a tumor of lung with increasing β -HCG.

Extrauterine epithelioid trophoblastic tumour and its somatic carcinoma mimics: short tandem repeat genotyping meets the diagnostic challenges

AIMS

While epithelioid trophoblastic tumour (ETT) primarily arises from the uterus, cases have been increasingly documented at extrauterine sites, originating from an ectopic gestation or presenting as a metastatic tumour, leading to the major differential diagnosis of somatic carcinoma with trophoblastic differentiation. The precise separation of a gestational trophoblastic tumour from its somatic carcinoma mimics is highly relevant and crucial for patient management and prognosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We summarise the clinicopathological and molecular features of four challenging epithelioid malignancies presenting at extrauterine sites, with ETT as the main differential diagnosis. All four tumours demonstrated histological and immunohistochemical features overlapping between a somatic carcinoma and an ETT, combined with inconclusive clinical and imaging findings. Serum beta-hCG elevation was documented in two cases. Short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping was performed and was informative in all cases. The presence of a unique paternal allelic pattern in the tumour tissue confirmed the diagnosis of ETT in two cases with an initial consideration of either somatic carcinoma or suspicion of a gestational trophoblastic tumour. The presence of matching genetic profile with the patient's paired normal tissue was seen in two other cases (both initially considered as ETT), confirming their somatic origin, including one metastatic triple-negative breast carcinoma and one primary lung carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnostic separation of ETT at an extrauterine site from its somatic carcinoma mimics can be difficult at the histological and immunohistochemical levels. STR genotyping offers a robust ancillary tool that precisely separates ETT from somatic carcinomas with trophoblastic differentiation.

A Multicenter Retrospective Study of Epithelioid Trophoblastic Tumors to Identify the Outcomes, Prognostic Factors, and Therapeutic Strategies

Background

There is no consensus for the management of epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT) up to date.

Objective

ETT is the rarest form of gestational trophoblastic neplasia (GTN). Our goal was to assess the outcomes and explore the prognostic factors of patients with ETT through this multicenter retrospective analysis and to devise a risk-adapted approach to clinical management.

Methods

A total of 31 patients were validated as ETT pathologically between January 2004 and June 2021 from three tertiary hospitals. We retrospectively analyzed the characteristics, treatments, outcomes, and prognostic factors.

Results

Eight patients experienced a recurrence, and 6 patients died of ETT, resulting in a mortality rate of 19.4%. Five patients with stage I disease had a fertility-preserving treatment. Among them, one patient had a full-term delivery, whereas a 23-year-old patient who declined a hysterectomy died of a recurrent disease. Eight patients of extrauterine ETT with isolated pulmonary lesion were at a young age at diagnosis (median: 30.5 vs. 41, p = 0.003) and had a smaller tumor size (median: 2.4 vs. 4.8 cm, p = 0.003) compared with other patients who had a metastatic disease, and none of them died. The multivariate analyses showed that the number of metastases ≥3 [hazard ratio (HR), 28.16, p = 0.003] was the only significant predictor associated with adverse overall survival, while the number of metastases ≥3 (HR 9.59, p = 0.005) and chemotherapy alone (HR 16.42, p = 0.001) were associated with adverse recurrence-free survival. Patients in stage I or with number of metastases <3 had a favorable prognosis, whereas the prognosis of patients whose number of metastases ≥3 remains poor.

Conclusions

Chemotherapy alone is insufficient for patients with ETT. Surgical procedures are the mainstay of management for ETT patients. Combined surgery and multi-agent chemotherapy are recommended for patients with metastatic disease and localized disease with persistently positive human chorionic gonadotrophin levels after surgery. The number of metastases at ≥3 is the most critical risk factor for ETT.

Uterine Epithelioid Trophoblastic Tumor in a 44-Year-Old Woman: A Diagnostic Dilemma

BACKGROUND

Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT) is a rare and newly defined disease, which most commonly occurs in women of reproductive age and can be a sequela of any gestational event. ETT can be present in both intrauterine and extrauterine sites.

CASE REPORT

A woman of reproductive age, without specific comorbidities and with a single pregnancy and natural childbirth eight years ago, was diagnosed initially with poorly differentiated pleomorphic leiomyosarcoma on the hemostatic uterine curettage.

CONCLUSION

Our case highlights that ETT presents a diagnostic challenge due to its rarity and histologic resemblance to other pathologies. Misdiagnosis delays effective treatment and affects survival. To date, only 8 cases of ETT of the uterus without previous gestational event and normal human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) levels in a 60-year literature survey have been reported.

Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor that requires fertility preservation: A case report and review of literature

OBJECTIVE

Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT) is very rare and few cases have been published in the English literature. Hysterectomy is the recommended treatment, due to the high rate of recurrence and mortality. The objective of this article is to present a rare case of ETT with fertility-preserving treatment and review published similar cases.

CASE REPORT

We report the case of ETT in a 19-year-old Chinese woman, who had a strong desire of fertility preservation. She presented with vaginal spotting and hysteroscopy showed an isolated solid mass (2.0 × 1.5 × 1.5 cm) at the right corner of the uterine cavity. Serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) persisted at low level elevation about 100 IU/L. We treated her with a lesionectomy and 3 cycles EP-EMA (etoposide, cisplatin/etoposide, methotrexate and actinomycin) chemotherapy regimen. The patient is now in stable condition, without any signs of recurrence during 20 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Fertility-preserving surgery would probably be a feasible and safe strategy for the patients whose lesions can be completely removed.

Ovarian Intermediate Trophoblastic Tumors: Genotyping Defines a Distinct Category of Nongestational Tumors of Germ Cell Type

Trophoblastic neoplasms involving the ovary are uncommon and include gestational tumors, which are either metastatic from the uterus or ectopic and nongestational tumors, which include those of germ cell type/origin and somatic tumors with trophoblastic differentiation; in all these types, most are pure choriocarcinoma. Intermediate trophoblastic tumors, which include placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT) and epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT), are rare in the ovary, with most assumed to be gestational; this is the only category formally recognized in 2014 World Health Organization (WHO) classification, likely due to few well-documented nongestational examples. We report the clinicopathologic features of 6 ovarian intermediate trophoblastic tumors, including 3 PSTTs, 2 ETTs, and 1 ETT with choriocarcinomatous differentiation. DNA-based short tandem repeat genotyping identified 4 of these as nongestational (3 PSTTs and 1 ETT), as evidenced by sharing of alleles between tumor and normal tissue at all informative loci. Interestingly, all 3 of the nongestational PSTTs coexisted with mature cystic teratoma. The remaining 2 tumors (1 ETT and 1 ETT with some choriocarcinomatous differentiation) were gestational (likely ectopic due to lack of evidence of a uterine tumor), as evidenced by the presence of both maternal and novel/nonmaternal alleles at informative loci in tumor compared with normal tissue. It is important to recognize a distinct category of primary ovarian nongestational intermediate trophoblastic tumors of germ cell type/origin, including PSTT and ETT, in classification systems to guide clinical management, as gestational and nongestational tumors have different genetic origins and may require different therapy. Genotyping is useful for classification as nongestational versus gestational, particularly as traditional clinicopathologic findings cannot always predict the nature of a trophoblastic tumor.

Epithelioid Trophoblastic Tumor: Expanding the Clinicopathologic Spectrum of a Rare Malignancy

Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor is a malignancy derived from the chorionic laeve-type intermediate trophoblast with sufficient rarity that the vast majority of literature on the topic exists in the form of case reports and small series. Classically, it is regarded as a well-circumscribed tumor with an expansile growth pattern that occurs in reproductive-aged women, usually after a normal pregnancy. However, we recently encountered a case of epithelioid trophoblastic tumor with aggressive spread throughout the abdomen and pelvis in a 68-yr-old female presenting 30 yr after her last delivery. Although to our knowledge this is the first report in a postmenopausal patient to be confirmed by molecular analysis of short tandem repeats, there are multiple similar case reports spanning a variety of clinical settings that deviate from the original description. We therefore sought to synthesize the clinicopathologic data among the available reports in the English literature, with emphasis on pathologic findings. While the overarching themes are largely unchanged, this series of 77 patients reveals a broader spectrum of disease and highlights frequent misdiagnosis. Here we present a clinicopathologic update on this rare entity, with emphasis on a practical approach to diagnosis.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of extrauterine epithelioid trophoblastic tumors

BACKGROUND

Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT) derived from intermediate trophoblasts is one type of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN), and it accounts for less than 2% of all gestational trophoblastic diseases (GTD). Extrauterine ETT is extremely rare, and there is currently no consistent strategy for its treatment and management. Therefore, the aim of the study is to analyze and summarize the clinicopathologic features of extrauterine ETT with or without metastasis.

METHOD

The Web of Knowledge, Google Scholar, EMbase, congress of library, and PubMed were searched for extrauterine ETT without primary uterine lesions. All available data were extracted from published case reports or serial case reports, and then, the clinical and pathological characteristics were analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-two clinical studies consisting of 27 patients diagnosed with extrauterine ETT, according to the given inclusion and exclusion criteria, were included in the study. A total of 27 cases of extrauterine ETT were identified. Of these cases, four (14.81%) were located in the lungs, three (11.11%) in the ovaries, two (7.41%) in the vagina, and eight (29.63%) patients had other primary lesions. The patients originated from different continents, with 59% located in Asia and 26% in North America. Among 23 patients, the antecedent pregnancy prior to the diagnosis was full-term in 12 cases, abortion in 6 cases, hydatidiform mole in 3 cases, and invasive mole in 1 case. From the available antecedent information on pregnancy, the median interval from pregnancy to diagnosis of extrauterine ETT was 4 years. Additionally, the median gravidity and para of the patients was three times and two times, respectively. The median hCG titer was 14,374 mIU/mL in 5 patients, and the mean β-HCG titer was 3,724,805 mIU/mL in 14 patients. For all patients, the disease was confined to extrauterine ETT at diagnosis. From the available information, 20 cases were successfully treated by extraction of local lesions, and 12 cases received chemotherapy. Diagnosis was confirmed by histological tests. The Ki-67 staining ranged from 8.7 to 80%, and tumors were positive for hCG, PLAP, EMA, and p63.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we observed that abnormal levels of serum hCG titers and the local presentation of lesions with varying intervals after antecedent term pregnancy were the most common presenting features of extrauterine ETT. In addition, we found that the extraction of extrauterine lesions was needed for the treatment of extrauterine ETT. Of course, the follow-up was also important.

Extrauterine epithelioid trophoblastic tumors presenting as lung mass: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Extrauterine epithelioid trophoblastic tumors (ETT) is a rare variant of gestational trophoblastic neoplasms. Here we aim to learn more clinical and pathological characteristics of ETT patient with an isolated pulmonary mass without uterine lesions, through a rare case of extra-uterine ETT and 7 cases published in English periodicals literature.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 31-year-old Chinese woman, presented with low-level elevation of serum human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) for more than 2 years without abnormal symptoms. Dilation and curettage (D&C) was performed and histopathology revealed a secretory phase of endometrium. Chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed a 0.8 cm nodular lesion in the upper left lobe. Then a thoracotomy with left upper lobe segmentectomy was performed.

DIAGNOSIS

After pathological and immunohistochemistry diagnosis, the case was confirmed as ETT (III).

INTERVENTIONS

According to FIGO guideline, the patient took 3 cycles of multivalent chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin and etoposide, alternating with etoposid, methotrexate dactinomycin (EP-EMA).

OUTCOMES

The patient had no obvious signs of recurrence after 13 months of follow-up.

LESSONS

When a fertile age woman persistently shows abnormal low-level escalation of HCG, ETT should be taken into consideration, especially lung X-ray or CT showing lesions without apparent abnormality of the uterus.

Extrauterine epithelioid trophoblastic tumor in hysterectomized woman

Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT) is a very rare variant of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) which arises in reproductive age women with prior gestational history. Although abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of ETT, there are no reported pathognomonic symptoms of ETT because of its rarity. ETT is similar to placental site trophoblastic tumor in terms of its slow growing characteristic and microscopic findings. Therefore, it could be misdiagnosed as placental site trophoblastic tumor or other types of GTD. Unlike other types of GTD, primary treatment of ETT is surgical resection because of its chemo-resistant nature. Accordingly, immunohistochemical staining is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Here, we report a case of a 42-year-old hysterectomized woman with pelvic masses who suffered from abdominal pain. Through laparotomy, tumors were resected completely and they were diagnosed as ETT through immunohistochemical stain. This report provides more evidence about its clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment including a brief review of the literature.

Microsatellite Genotyping to Distinguish Somatic β-HCG Secreting Carcinoma from Epithelioid Trophoblastic Tumor

Objective. Morphologically, β-HCG secreting somatic carcinoma can be difficult to distinguish from epithelioid trophoblastic tumors (ETT). However, their distinction is critical due to their potentially differing prognoses and choice of chemotherapy. Presence of biparental alleles in ETT can be identified with molecular testing. We describe a patient who presented with metastatic carcinoma and elevated serum β-HCG and contrast this to an ETT in another patient. Data and Results. A 32-year-old female with recent possible miscarriage presented with pulmonary emboli and was found to have an increased serum β-HCG, a retroduodenal mass, and multiple nodules in her lungs, liver, and para-aortic lymph nodes. Biopsy showed a β-HCG and p63 positive epithelioid neoplasm with otherwise noncontributory immunohistochemistry. Molecular testing for biparental alleles in repeated length polymorphisms was negative, consistent with somatic origin. The second patient was a 35-year-old pregnant female with increased serum β-HCG and a uterine epithelioid tumor positive for β-HCG. Clinical and pathologic findings were characteristic of ETT and molecular testing was not required. These 2 cases illustrate that β-HCG secreting tumors of different etiologies may have similar appearances, and when clinical and/or IHC findings are inconclusive, molecular testing may be useful.

Extrauterine Epithelioid Trophoblastic Tumor Arising in the Ovary With Multiple Metastases

Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor is a neoplasm of the chorionic-type intermediate trophoblasts. It is considered a rare gestational trophoblastic disease and is frequently misdiagnosed as carcinoma. Extrauterine epithelioid trophoblastic tumor has been reported in multiple anatomical sites. We report a case of a 50-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain and distension. Her initial β-human chorionic gonatotropin level was 806.7 IU/L. Imaging showed a large complex ovarian mass with peritoneal and subcapsular hepatic deposits as well as pulmonary nodules. Morphological features of the tumor and its immunohistochemical reactivity to CK8/18, CK7, p63, and CD10 were consistent with the diagnosis of an extrauterine epithelioid trophoblastic tumor arising from the ovary. The differential diagnoses, including other ovarian tumors, were ruled out on the basis of morphology and negative immunostaining to a relatively extended panel of antibodies. A prolonged follow up of these cases and the recognition of such rare tumors in unusual sites are crucial to the diagnosing pathologist and treating physician.

Extragestational βHCG secretion due to an isolated lung epithelioid trophoblastic tumor: microsatellite genotyping of tumoral cells confirmed their placental origin and oriented specific chemotherapy

CONTEXT

Persistent secretion of β-human chorionic gonadotropin (βHCG) in the absence of an ongoing or recent pregnancy and without persistent uterine gestational disease is a rare but challenging situation that requires locating the extrauterine secreting tumor and distinguishing between extragestational choriocarcinoma and gestational trophoblastic neoplasms.

CASE PRESENTATION

An unexplained, persistent extragestational βHCG secretion occurring in a 29-year-old, nonsmoking woman with abnormal uterine bleeding 4 years after a normal pregnancy and without persistent gestational disease led to the discovery by whole-body computed tomography/positron emission tomography of an isolated pulmonary tumor.

OBJECTIVE

Characterization of paternal alleles in tumoral cells in order to establish their fetal origin, which may be helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of such tumors.

METHODS AND RESULTS

After the surgical procedure, clinical, histological, and immunocytochemical analysis ruled out primary or metastatic bronchopulmonary carcinoma or choriocarcinoma and supported the diagnosis of an isolated, primary, epithelioid trophoblastic tumor. Microsatellite genotyping of tumoral cells identifying paternal alleles confirmed their placental origin and their migration to the lungs, with likely secondary malignant transformation, and guided the choice of postsurgical chemotherapy needed to completely eradicate βHCG secretion.

CONCLUSION

Persistent extragestational secretion of βHCG in a young nonsmoking woman with a precedent pregnancy and an isolated lung tumor suggests the diagnosis of epithelioid trophoblastic tumor, a very rare malignant tumor for which placental origin needs to be confirmed, especially when occurring several years after the patient's last pregnancy. Simple microsatellite genotyping of tumoral cells will allow this confirmation of diagnosis and help in personalizing chemotherapy.

Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor: report of two cases in postmenopausal women with literature review and emphasis on cytological findings

BACKGROUND

Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT) is a rare gestational trophoblastic neoplasm of intermediate trophoblasts. It was first described by Shih and Kurman [Am J Surg Pathol 1998;22:1393-1403] who outlined its clinicopathologic characteristics in 14 cases, establishing it as a distinct entity of gestational trophoblastic tumors. It represents 1.39% of all gestational trophoblastic diseases. Most cases are reported in reproductive-age women following a prior gestation with a time interval between 2 weeks and 30 years. ETT is extremely rare in postmenopausal women. It is commonly misdiagnosed as a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), poorly differentiated carcinoma or another gestational trophoblastic tumor. Limited data is available regarding its cytological features on Pap smears.

CASES

We report 2 cases of uterine ETT occurring in postmenopausal women. In both cases, an initial diagnosis of an SCC and a poorly differentiated carcinoma was rendered. We highlight the features of ETT helpful in differentiating it from other mimickers with emphasis on rarely reported cytological features of this neoplasm.

CONCLUSION

ETT is a rare tumor with characteristic cytological features, but is commonly confused with SCC. A high index of suspicion is needed to make the correct diagnosis or to raise the consideration of ETT, especially in cases with an increased β-human chorionic gonadotropin.

Extrauterine Epithelioid Trophoblastic Tumor of Lung in a 35-year-old Woman

Extrauterine epithelioid trophoblastic tumors constitute an extremely rare gestational trophoblastic disease. We report the case of an extrauterine trophoblastic tumor that was incidentally detected in the left lung. Squamous cell carcinoma was suspected after microscopically examining the specimen obtained upon preoperative needle biopsy. After surgery, the tumor was confirmed by microscopic findings and immunohistochemical features.

Epithelioid Trophoblastic Tumor: An Outcome-Based Literature Review of 78 Reported Cases

Objectives

Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT) is very rare; and therefore, a substantially increased data set is unlikely to be obtained in the near future. This analysis aimed to assess the effects of current management on clinical outcomes and to identify potential prognostic indicators in ETT.

Methods

We applied a literature search using PubMed to analyze the clinical data of 78 published cases of ETT.

Results

Women with ETT present at reproductive age (mean ± SD, 37.1 ± 8.7 years) and have a slightly to moderately elevated serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (median, 665 IU/L). Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor is frequently present in the lower uterine segment/cervix (26/58 cases) and can be misdiagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma (6/26). Lung is the most common extrauterine site of ETT (5/11 with uterine ETT and 10/20 without uterine ETT). Kaplan-Meier analysis indicates that chemotherapy (surgery with postoperative chemotherapy vs surgery alone) is associated with increased ETT relapse (P= 0.005), even after stratification by International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage (P= 0.008); but FIGO stage remains the only significant prognostic indicator for ETT (P= 0.015).

Conclusions

This analysis confirms the hypothetical chemotherapy resistance and prognostic value of FIGO staging in ETT. These findings remain tentative given the small data set available for analysis and the reporting bias from these published cases; however, they may confer a risk-adapted therapy. Finally, both gynecologists and pathologists should be alert to the potential misdiagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma when ETT is present in the lower uterine segment/cervix.

Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor: a case report and review of the literature

Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT) is a rare gestational trophoblastic tumor. Cases of ETT present as abnormal vaginal bleeding in women of reproductive age, with low human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels. ETT can be a sequela of any gestational event and can present in both intrauterine and extrauterine sites. Metastasis and death have been reported. We present a case of a 44-year-old female incidentally diagnosed with ETT following laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy. Postoperative evaluation for metastatic disease was negative. The patient has been closely followed and remains disease free 8 months postoperatively. ETT presents a diagnostic challenge due to its rarity and histologic resemblance to other pathologies. ETT is relatively chemoresistant and managed surgically. Misdiagnosis delays effective treatment and affects survival.