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Synovial sarcoma with radiological appearances of primitive neuroectodermal tumour/Ewing sarcoma: differentiation by molecular genetic studies

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Abstract

Synovial sarcoma (SS) arises in soft tissues but may invade adjacent bone. We describe a case of SS presenting as aggressive lysis of the proximal ulna, the imaging of which suggested a primary bone lesion. Needle biopsy showed a ‘small round blue cell tumour’, and a primitive neuroectodermal tumour (PNET)/Ewing sarcoma was suggested on the basis of the imaging appearances. The definitive diagnosis of synovial sarcoma was made following molecular genetic studies, which demonstrated a fusion product incorporating the genes SYT and SSX1. The importance of correct diagnosis to guide appropriate management, and, therefore, the necessity for molecular genetic studies, is discussed.

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Acknowledgements

The molecular genetic analysis was funded by Cancer Research UK.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust, Brockley Hill, Stanmore, Middlesex, HA7 4LP, UK

    P. O’Donnell

  2. Department of Histopathology, University College Hospital, London, UK

    T. C. Diss & A. M. Flanagan

  3. Meyerstein Institute of Oncology, University College Hospital, London, UK

    J. Whelan

  4. Department of Histopathology, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex, UK

    A. M. Flanagan

  5. Institute of Orthopaedics, University College, London, UK

    A. M. Flanagan

Authors
  1. P. O’Donnell
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  2. T. C. Diss
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  3. J. Whelan
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  4. A. M. Flanagan
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Correspondence to P. O’Donnell.

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O’Donnell, P., Diss, T.C., Whelan, J. et al. Synovial sarcoma with radiological appearances of primitive neuroectodermal tumour/Ewing sarcoma: differentiation by molecular genetic studies. Skeletal Radiol 35, 233–239 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-005-0006-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-005-0006-z

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