SF1 immunohistochemistry is useful in differentiating uterine tumours resembling sex cord-stromal tumours from potential histological mimics

SummaryThe aim of this study was to perform an immunohistochemical comparison of uterine tumour resembling ovarian sex cord-stromal tumour (UTROSCT) and other uterine lesions with sex cord-like (SCL) differentiation.Six UTROSCTs and 10 potential histological mimics with focal SCL elements were examined, the latter comprising three endometrial stromal nodules, three low-grade endometrial stromal sarcomas, three Müllerian adenosarcomas, and one case of adenomyosis. All cases were stained immunohistochemically for SF1, FOXL2, calretinin and inhibin, and for the less specific markers smooth muscle actin, desmin, CD10, CD56, CD99, cytokeratin, oestrogen receptor and progesterone receptor.Three, four, six and three UTROSCT expressed SF1, FOXL2, calretinin and inhibin, respectively. However, calretinin staining was focal (≤50% cells positive) in five of the cases. Three potential histological mimics demonstrated calretinin, FOXL2 and/or inhibin staining but none was SF1 positive. Most cases in both groups expressed the less specific immunomarkers.SF1 and FOXL2 immunoreactivity in UTROSCT further supports the concept that these tumours demonstrate genuine sex cord-stromal differentiation. While calretinin was the most sensitive UTROSCT marker, staining was usually focal and expression was also seen in two of 10 potential histological mimics. SF1 staining was 100% specific for UTROSCT in this series but this finding should be confirmed in larger studies.