Clear-Cell Mesothelioma of Uterine Corpus: Diagnostic Challenges in Intraoperative Frozen Sections

Abstract

The clear-cell variant of epithelioid mesothelioma is an extremely rare neoplasm of the peritoneum. It shares histomorphologic features overlapping with a wide variety of tumors including carcinomas and other non-epithelial neoplasms. The diagnosis of peritoneal clear-cell mesothelioma is not always straightforward, despite known immunohistochemistry (IHC) markers. Due to its rarity, this entity may be diagnostically confused with other clear-cell neoplasms, particularly in intraoperative frozen sections. Here, we present a case of clear-cell mesothelioma originating in the uterine serosa that was initially misdiagnosed as clear-cell adenocarcinoma in the intraoperative frozen section. Microscopically, the tumor showed diffuse tubulocystic spaces of variable size lined by clear cells with moderate nuclear atypia. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the diagnosis of clear-cell mesothelioma. Recognition of this entity, albeit rare, is important as the diagnosis may significantly affect the management considerations. The judicious use of an IHC panel helps to distinguish this tumor from other mimickers.