RETROSPECTIVE REEXAMINATION OF 133 MESENCHYMAL TUMORS WITH UNCERTAIN DIAGNOSES

Soft tissue tumors may create problems in diagnosis due to their seldom appearance and due to their complicated morphology. Nowadays especially in certain tumors in determining the therapy regimen sub-typing becomes important. In our study 133 mesenchymal tumors with uncertain diagnoses were reexamined by 4 observers one of which was experienced in soft tissue tumors. Percent agreement between the 3 observers and the experienced observer was investigated. Full interobserver agreement was in 79 (59%) cases. In 11 (3,4%) cases sub-typing could not be carried out because of necrosis, inadequate material, poor differentiation and lack of clinical data. Tumor types on which diagnoses of 4 observers had an 80% agreement, were small blue round cell tumor, malignant melanoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, leiomyosarcoma, pseudotumor, lymphoma, synovial sarcoma, angiosarcoma, malignant schwannoma, Lowest percent agreement (33%) was obtained in clear cell sarcoma. In the diagnosis of soft tissue tumors, specialization, experience, practice and immunocytochemistry may be helpful to a certain extent. A pathologist who acquires enough experience in these cases can provide a helpful approach in diagnosis and treatment modalities.

Keywords: Diagnostic problems, soft tissue tumors