Bone tumor radiograph review by pathologists prior to pathologic diagnosis: a receiver operator curve analysis of diagnostic utility.

Radiologic-pathologic correlation has long been considered a prerequisite for the accurate diagnosis of bone lesions. We investigated using receiver-operating characteristic analysis the accuracy of histopathologic diagnoses with and without pathologist review of radiographs. While accuracy of diagnosis did improve when the radiographs were reviewed by the pathologist, this increase did not reach statistical significance (P=0.1311). Potential reasons for this finding including case selection and reviewer expertise are discussed. Based on our study, the review of radiographs did not result in a statistically significant difference in accuracy of the pathologic diagnosis of bone tumors. However, our data suggest that there may be a difference particularly in selected cases and among certain observers.

Carcinosarcoma of salivary glands with unusual stromal components. Report of two cases and review of the literature.

Carcinosarcomas are rare neoplasms that exhibit heterologous malignant epithelial and stromal components. We report two cases of salivary gland carcinosarcoma with immunohistochemical analysis and clinical follow-up that provide insights into the pathogenesis and behavior of these tumors. In one case, a 51-year-old black woman had a 15-year history of a hard, asymptomatic, infraauricular mass that recently had undergone rapid growth. The tumor showed adenocarcinoma and osteosarcoma. She died 9 months after diagnosis. In another case, a 78-year-old white woman had a large soft palate mass that had been present for several years and had recently caused dysphagia. The tumor showed adenocarcinoma and leiomyosarcoma. The patient is alive at 9 months follow-up. Although malignant epithelial and stromal components characterize carcinosarcomas, immunohistochemical studies suggest that both elements are derived from a common precursor cell, possibly of myoepithelial origin. These cases support this concept and perhaps suggest a spectrum of differentiation that this precursor cell may exhibit.

Myelolipoma and endocrine dysfunction.

Myelolipoma is an uncommon benign tumor of which the pathogenesis is unknown. It is rarely associated with endocrine disorders. We present a case of a myelolipoma in conjunction with congenital adrenal hyperplasia secondary to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Nine previously reported cases of myelolipoma associated with endocrine dysfunction are reviewed with potential correlation of the hormonal imbalance to pathogenesis.