Background: Several hematological malignancies might morphologically present as differential diagnoses of sarcomas.
Objectives: To illustrate entities of hematological malignancies that might cause difficulties in differentiation from sarcomas and to introduce immunohistochemical and molecular tests that facilitate the diagnosis.
Material and methods: Selective literature research ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ) was combined with the clinico-pathological experience of the authors.
Results: In particular, hematologic malignancies with small blue round cell cytology, as well as lymphomas with anaplastic or spindle cell morphology, may mimic sarcomas. Identification of the correct diagnosis is usually possible by applying immunohistochemical and molecular analyses. Lymphomas without expression of CD45 and hematological neoplasias with expression of markers characteristic of sarcomas may cause difficulties in differential diagnosis.
Conclusion: Hematological malignancies should be kept in mind as differential diagnoses of sarcomas and should be excluded by immunohistochemical and molecular analyses according to morphology and the clinical picture.
Keywords: Anaplastic lymphoma; Hematologic neoplasms; Leukocyte common antigens; Sarcoma; Small blue round cell tumours.