Loss of the Y-chromosome in the primary metastasis of a male sex cord stromal tumor: Pathogenetic implications

The first published chromosomal pattern of the retroperitoneal lymph node m etastasis of a malignant gonadal stroma cell tumor of the adult testis is p resented. Karyotyping showed structural chromosomal abnormalities and loss of the Y-chromosome. This loss was confirmed in primary tumor and metastasi s using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The characteristic chrom osomal abnormality of adult testicular germ cell tumors, an i(12p), at as n ot present. The results are compared with other data of testicular and ovar ian sex cord stromal tumors. From the comparison of the male tumors, it is concluded that loss of the Y-chromosome might have a pathogenetic significa nce. (C) Elsevier Science Inc., 1999. All rights reserved.