Reappraisal of synchronous and multifocal mucinous lesions of the female genital tract: a close association with gastric metaplasia

Abstract

To describe the gastric phenotype of synchronous mucinous metaplasia and neoplasms of the female genital tract (SMMN-FGT). Six patients (mean age 57 years, range 39-83 years) were diagnosed with SMMN-FGT. All six patients had mucinous metaplasia of endometrium, which showed features of lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia (LEGH)/pyloric gland metaplasia (PGM) in five and was associated with mucinous adenocarcinoma in three. Five patients had mucinous metaplasia of the fallopian tubes, of which three showed borderline features. Two patients had mucinous borderline tumour of the ovary. Five patients had cervical lesions including LEGH/PGM associated with either adenocarcinoma in situ or minimal deviation adenocarcinoma of the cervix. All mucinous lesions were positive for HIK1083 and/or MUC6. One patient with minimal deviation adenocarcinoma involving the vagina died of her disease, whereas five patients, including three with microinvasion and three with positive peritoneal cytology or mucinous ascites, were alive without recurrence after a mean follow-up of 46 months (range 13-102 months). There is a close association between SMMN-FGT and LEGH/PGM. Microinvasion and positive peritoneal cytology may not have an influence on outcome.