Spindle cell epithelioma of the vagina shows immunohistochemical staining supporting its origin from a primitive/progenitor cell population.

Abstract

Spindle cell epitheliomas of the vagina (SCEVs) coexpresses epithelial and mesenchymal markers and were first described as a "mixed tumors of the vagina." However, unlike mixed tumors of other organs, which are believed to originate from myoepithelial cells, SCEVs neither immunohistochemically nor ultrastructurally show features of myoepithelial cells. The present expanded battery of immunohistochemical stains is presented on this rare tumor, including cytokeratin AE1/AE3, CK7, CK20, S100 protein, epithelial membrane antigen, alpha-smooth muscle actin, desmin, CD34, CD99, Bcl-2, vimentin, estrogen and progesterone receptors, and Ki-67. There was minimal expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and negative staining with S100 protein, with coexpression of cytokeratins and vimentin and expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors, as previously reported in SCEVs. In addition, diffuse expression of CD34, CD99, and Bcl-2 immunohistochemical stains was found, which has not previously been reported. The coexpression of CD34, CD99, and Bcl-2 in SCEVs is consistent with its origin from a primitive/progenitor cell population.