Monophasic synovial sarcoma–a histological entity?

Abstract

Consideration is given to the concept of a histologically identifiable monophasic type of synovial sarcoma. It is accepted that a sarcomatous tumour may be encountered where the spindle cells assume a somewhat epithelioid appearance associated with a reticulin pattern unlike that of most other spindle cell sarcomas. This appearance should alert a histopathologist to the possibility of a synovial sarcoma and prompt the examination of multiple additional sections in an attempt to find the pathognomonic biphasic pattern. It is not, however, believed that an entire tumour composed of cells of a single type could be identified with certainty as a synovial sarcoma by light microscopy. The term monophasic synovial sarcoma is worthy of retention, but only as a guide towards the establishment of a definite diagnosis by further sampling of the specimen. Other features suggestive of this diagnosis are discussed.