adenomatoid

Adenomatoid is an architectural descriptor used in pathology to denote gland-like or adenomatoid patterns within tissues or tumors. It refers to formations that resemble glands, typically consisting of tubules or rounded, lumen-containing spaces lined by cuboidal to columnar cells. The term is descriptive and does not denote a specific diagnosis on its own; it is applied to a variety of tumors and lesions to convey their glandular-like morphology.

In practice, the adenomatoid pattern is most commonly discussed in relation to adenomatoid tumors, a benign mesothelial neoplasm. Adenomatoid tumors most often arise in the epididymis of men and can also occur in the female genital tract, including the uterus or fallopian tubes. Histologically, these tumors display small, slit- or tubule-like spaces lined by flat to cuboidal cells with vacuolated cytoplasm within a fibrous stroma. They are usually well circumscribed and show low mitotic activity.

Immunohistochemistry helps distinguish adenomatoid tumors from malignant mimics. The cells commonly express mesothelial markers such as calretinin and WT1, and usually retain cytokeratin positivity, supporting a mesothelial origin. They are typically negative for markers associated with adenocarcinoma, such as high levels of CEA. The prognosis is excellent, with surgical excision generally curative and recurrence rare.

See also: adenomatoid tumor, mesothelioma, adenocarcinoma, histopathology.

Note: The term adenomatoid is a descriptive pattern rather than a single, discrete entity, and it may be used across organ systems to describe gland-like architectural features in various lesions.