Miscellaneous pseudotumors and mesenchymal tumors of the female genital tract

Benign and malignant soft tissue tumors andpseudotumors can rarely arise anywhere inthe female genital tract. Their pathologicfeatures as well as behavior typically overlap withthose described in tumors involving typical loca-tions. However, due to their rarity, not infrequentlythese tumors represent a diagnostic challenge.Their diagnosis should be based on careful grossexamination, thorough sampling, and morphologicevaluation, applying a selected immunohisto-chemical panel and molecular studies. Accurateclassification of these tumors is importantbecause their clinical behavior, prognosis, andtherapy differ markedly. This article outlinesseveral mesenchymal lesions reported in thefemale genital tract, encompassing recent histo-logic, immunohistochemical, and molecular find-ings, with special emphasis on problems in thedifferential diagnosis