Cutaneous Deciduosis: A Rare Cutaneous Lesion Mimicking Malignancy

Abstract

Abstract: Cutaneous deciduosis is an extremely rare condition that clinically presents as a nodular lesion in the skin as a scar or neoplasm. Histologically, this may pose a diagnostic challenge simulating malignant epithelioid neoplasms including sarcoma. Histologically, a nodular growth pattern of large monomorphic epithelioid cells is observed. The epithelioid cells in deciduosis can appear atypical with considerable nuclear pleomorphism, mimicking a malignancy. These features can be misinterpreted as a primary cutaneous or metastatic malignancy by dermatopathologists who are not familiar with gynecologic pathology. Failure to correctly diagnose this condition may result in unnecessary diagnostic studies for the patient. In this article, we report a case of cutaneous deciduosis in a 35-year-old woman with a cesarean scar. Histological examination revealed nodular proliferation of large epithelioid cells with pale eosinophilic cytoplasm and large nuclei with prominent nucleoli. Compressed atrophic slit-like glands resembling endometrial glands were present in some areas. Histopathological features of decidual cells, along with appropriate immunohistochemical studies, help establish the diagnosis and rule out other neoplastic mimics of deciduosis.