HYALINE GLOBULES IN UTERINE MALIGNANT MIXED MULLERIAN TUMORS - A DIAGNOSTIC-AID

In order to evaluate the presence of hyaline globules (HGs) in uterine malignant mixed Mullerian tumours (MMMT), and its possible diagnostic value in haematoxylin & eosin stained sections, a retrospective micro scopic study of 38 cases (13 homologous and 25 heterologous) was carri ed out. Intra- and extracellular HGs were found in 31 MMMT (81.6%), 8 homologous (61.5%) and 23 heterologous (92%). In addition, strong alph a-1-antitrypsin immunoreactivity was also noted in the HGs of 10 cases out of 13 investigated. In initial diagnostic curettage material, HGs were observed in 1 8 of 22 cases (81.8%), 6 of 9 homologous (66.7%) a nd 12 of 13 heterologous (92.3%). In view of the high incidence of HGs in curettage specimens, their finding in haematoxylin & eosin stained sections could orientate a histopathologic preoperative diagnosis of MMMT, specially of heterologous type, and may be considered a diagnost ic tool in order to indicate an early, planned therapy and staging in these neoplasms of poor prognosis.