Distinguishing benign dissecting mucin (stromal mucin pools) from invasive mucinous carcinoma

Adv Anat Pathol. 2008 Jan;15(1):1-17. doi: 10.1097/PAP.0b013e31815e52aa.

Abstract

Mucin dissecting stroma suggests the presence of an invasive mucinous (colloid) carcinoma. However, in virtually every organ in which invasive mucinous carcinoma exists, there exist benign mimickers associated with dissecting mucin. This article reviews diagnostic criteria for the differential diagnosis of mucinous lesions of the breast, pancreas, biliary tract, colon, appendix, and bladder, emphasizing practical points, which we find helpful in daily diagnostic surgical pathology practice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous / diagnosis*
  • Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous / pathology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Colonic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Colonic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Epithelial Cells / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mucins*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Mucins