[Mesonephric lesions of female genital tract: An overview from benign tumors to emerging malignancy]

Abstract

Mesonephric lesions in the female genital tract are uncommon and heterogeneous. Those deriving from the upper tract differ from those developing in the lower tract, based on their morphology and immunohistochemical profile. Carcinomas of mullerian origine may display the morphology, the immunoprofile and even the molecular abnormalities of those deriving from mesonephric remnants and are designated mesonephric-like carcinomas. These are high-grade lesions despite their well-differentiated glandular morphology (wolf in sheep's clothing). New entities, such as STK11 adnexal tumors, have merged recently and should not be confused with adnexal tumors of wolffian origin (FATWO), which have a better prognostic and outcome. In this review, we provide an overview of these lesions and their mimickers, in order to help pathologists in the diagnostic approach of these complex and rare neoplasms.

Keywords: Carcinome mésonéphrique-like; FATWO; Mesonephric neoplasm; Mesonephric remnants; Mesonephric-like carcinoma; Restes mésonéphriques; STK11; Tumeur mésonéphrique.