The cytopathology of synovial sarcoma: a study of six cases, with emphasis on architecture and histopathologic correlation.

Abstract

In this article, the architectural and cytologic features of synovial sarcoma are described. Romanowsky- and Papanicolaou-stained fine-needle aspiration smears and corresponding hematoxylin and eosin sections were retrieved from archival material and examined by light microscopy. Microtissue fragments comprised of spindle cells dominated smears and correlated with fibrosarcoma-like areas prevalent in tissue sections. Characteristic fascicular and whorled patterns were apparent, and matrix material representing collagenous stroma varied from fibrillary to hyalinized. Epithelial components included polygonal and rectangular cells isolated from spindle cells, gland-like formations occurring within otherwise spindle cell microtissue fragments, and clubbed, spindle cell collections lined by flattened epithelial cells. Features of synovial sarcoma as defined previously by histopathology were apparent in cytologic preparations, facilitating a primary diagnosis by cytology.