{"title":"DNA Methylation Profiling: Current and Emerging Uses in Gynecologic Pathology.","authors":"Wei Gu, Brooke E Howitt","doi":"10.1016/j.path.2026.06.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.path.2026.06.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>DNA methylation profiling is emerging as a powerful ancillary molecular tool for tumor classification in gynecologic pathology. This article provides a practical overview of the technology and its emerging applications, with emphasis on diagnostically challenging settings including rare mesenchymal neoplasms (eg, uterine tumors resembling ovarian sex cord tumor, SMARCA4-deficient uterine sarcoma) and lineage-ambiguous tumors. Beyond classification, methylation profiling enables copy number analysis, tumor microenvironment deconvolution, epigenetic age estimation, and cell-free DNA-based detection, with growing relevance to gynecologic pathology, albeit mostly in research setting. Current barriers include limited access, incomplete classifier development for gynecologic entities, and the need for clinical validation.</p>","PeriodicalId":39485,"journal":{"name":"Surgical Pathology Clinics","volume":"19 4","pages":"605-616"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149289198","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Human papillomavirus-independent, TP53 Wild-type Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Its Mimics.","authors":"Yuna Kang, Stephanie Lynn Skala","doi":"10.1016/j.path.2026.06.013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.path.2026.06.013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>High-risk human papillomavirus-independent, p53-wild-type vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (HPVi(p53wt) VIN) is a squamous cell carcinoma precursor lesion with altered squamous maturation but minimal to no cytologic atypia. Use of p16 and p53 immunohistochemical stains is strongly encouraged for accurate subclassification of VIN lesions due to the potential for overlapping morphologic features. Additionally, there are a number of benign and inflammatory mimics of HPVi(p53wt) VIN. For lesions that cannot be definitively classified as either neoplastic or inflammatory/reactive/benign, descriptive diagnoses or \"vulvar aberrant maturation\" are appropriate.</p>","PeriodicalId":39485,"journal":{"name":"Surgical Pathology Clinics","volume":"19 4","pages":"667-688"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149289031","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Cervix/Vagina and Its Mimics.","authors":"Kyle M Devins","doi":"10.1016/j.path.2026.06.012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.path.2026.06.012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Rhabdomyosarcomas form a morphologically and genomically heterogeneous family of malignant mesenchymal tumors defined by skeletal muscle differentiation. In the gynecologic tract, the same morphologic subtypes defined at extragenital sites may be encountered, but there are unique genetic associations and differential diagnostic concerns which should be addressed. This article aims to clarify the pathologic assessment of gynecologic rhabdomyosarcomas and their mimics, particularly in the cervix and vagina.</p>","PeriodicalId":39485,"journal":{"name":"Surgical Pathology Clinics","volume":"19 4","pages":"637-646"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149289186","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Diagnostic and Prognostic Roles of Universal Estrogen Receptor Testing in Endometrial Carcinoma.","authors":"Jutta Huvila","doi":"10.1016/j.path.2026.06.006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.path.2026.06.006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Estrogen receptor (ER) immunohistochemical evaluation has emerged as a key variable in the risk assessment of endometrial carcinoma. In the most common molecular subtype of endometrial carcinomas, the no specific molecular profile, ER is used in conjunction with stage, grade, and lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) for risk assessment and guiding adjuvant treatments. Additionally, ER is a useful tool for aiding primary site and histotype assessment and has a role in predicting response to hormonal therapies for endometrial carcinoma. These applications of ER immunostaining will be reviewed.</p>","PeriodicalId":39485,"journal":{"name":"Surgical Pathology Clinics","volume":"19 4","pages":"541-552"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149289137","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Real World Application of Digital Pathology in Gynecologic Pathology Reporting.","authors":"Gareth Bryson, Sarah Bell, Donna O'Dwyer","doi":"10.1016/j.path.2026.06.014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.path.2026.06.014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Digital pathology (DP) is being implemented at scale with the hope of increasing efficiency and quality of pathology reporting. In this article, we share our experiences of this technological transformation from the perspective of practicing gynecologic pathologists. Herein, we outline what we see at the real-life advantages of DP and a digital workflow, using examples specific to gynecologic pathology. We also highlight some of the challenges, both for system deployment and configuration and for diagnostic reporting with a brief discussion of artificial intelligence applications of digital gynecologic pathology.</p>","PeriodicalId":39485,"journal":{"name":"Surgical Pathology Clinics","volume":"19 4","pages":"589-603"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149289056","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pitfalls, Problems, and Dilemmas in Applying the FIGO 2023 Staging System for Endometrial Cancer.","authors":"Amy S Joehlin, Stephanie M McGregor","doi":"10.1016/j.path.2026.06.007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.path.2026.06.007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The publication of FIGO 2023 staging for endometrial carcinoma (EC) fundamentally changed pathologic staging of EC by incorporating histologic subtypes, extent of lymphovascular space invasion, and molecular classification. In this article, the authors discuss the new staging system, the dilemmas with molecular classification, and clinical application details of histologic examination as they relate to the staging practices of surgical pathologists.</p>","PeriodicalId":39485,"journal":{"name":"Surgical Pathology Clinics","volume":"19 4","pages":"569-587"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149289082","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Karen L Talia, Richard Wing-Cheuk Wong, W Glenn McCluggage
{"title":"Vaginal Epithelial Pathology: A Review with Emphasis on Recent Developments.","authors":"Karen L Talia, Richard Wing-Cheuk Wong, W Glenn McCluggage","doi":"10.1016/j.path.2026.06.011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.path.2026.06.011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Primary vaginal carcinoma is rare and far less common than vaginal metastases, which usually originate from neighboring organs. Primary carcinomas are predominantly squamous in type and human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated while primary adenocarcinomas are mostly HPV-independent; as glands are normally absent in the vagina, a congenital or acquired glandular precursor lesion is a prerequisite for their development, although this is not always identified. A variety of rare benign squamous and glandular lesions may also occur at this site. In this article the spectrum of vaginal squamous and glandular neoplasia, precursor and rare non-neoplastic lesions is discussed, with emphasis on recent developments.</p>","PeriodicalId":39485,"journal":{"name":"Surgical Pathology Clinics","volume":"19 4","pages":"647-666"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149289195","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Endometrial Biopsies in Patients with Infertility: An Update for Pathologists.","authors":"Vinita Parkash, Na Niu, Lubna Pal","doi":"10.1016/j.path.2026.06.008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.path.2026.06.008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pathological evaluation of endometrial biopsies has been a clinically relevant tool in the management of patients with unexplained infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss. In this article, we provide a practical, morphology-based framework for the interpretation of endometrial biopsies in this population. Chronic endometritis (CE) has attracted the most clinical and investigative attention in recent years. The evolving clinical picture and histological criteria for CE and the significant unresolved questions surrounding diagnostic thresholds are discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":39485,"journal":{"name":"Surgical Pathology Clinics","volume":"19 4","pages":"703-715"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149289162","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Uterine Adenosarcoma: Unusual Presentations and Mimics.","authors":"Timothy A Dinh, David B Chapel","doi":"10.1016/j.path.2026.06.009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.path.2026.06.009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Uterine adenosarcoma is an uncommon biphasic neoplasm composed of malignant stroma and benign non-neoplastic epithelium. Most adenosarcomas show canonical low-grade morphology, which must be distinguished from various benign uterine polyps. A subset of adenosarcomas shows sarcomatous overgrowth, myometrial invasion, vascular invasion, heterologous differentiation, or marked nuclear atypia. These findings are prognostically adverse and may raise the differential with other uterine sarcomas. This article provides an overview of the clinicopathologic features of uterine adenosarcoma, with a particular focus on challenging presentations and histologic mimics.</p>","PeriodicalId":39485,"journal":{"name":"Surgical Pathology Clinics","volume":"19 4","pages":"617-636"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149289165","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}