Mixed mesodermal tumor of the corpus uteri with special reference to alkaline phosphatase reactivity: A case report

Abstract

Histochemical staining for alkaline phosphatase was applied to cytological specimens from a mixed mesodermal tumor of the corpus uteri, for the aid of morphological diagnosis of cytology.
In cytological and histological findings, the main tumor consisted of endometrial carcinoma-like cells and sarcomatous cells. Cartilaginous tissue and osteoid-like elements were observed histologically, but those elements were not recognized on imprinted materials. Cytochemically, carcinomatous cells had high activities of alkaline phosphatase but sarcomatous cells did not show activities of alkaline phosphatase.
It is convenient to diagnose epithelial cells and mesenchymal cells on imprinted materials by staining for alkaline phosphatase.