botryoidale

Botryoidale, or botryoid, is a descriptive term used in medicine to denote grape-like clusters of polypoid masses that project into a lumen. The word comes from the Greek botrys, meaning “grape,” and is applied to lesions that form multiple small, pedunculated projections resembling a bunch of grapes. This pattern is not a single disease but a morphology that can be seen in various neoplasms and polyps, often involving mucosal surfaces.

The term is most commonly associated with botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma, a variant of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma presents as grape-like, friable masses within mucosa-lined organs, most notably the vagina and cervix in pediatric patients, and less frequently in the bladder or other tract lumens. The characteristic appearance reflects multiple polypoid nodules that protrude into the lumen.

Histologically, botryoid lesions show features of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, with a cambium layer of tumor cells beneath the epithelium and cells showing skeletal muscle differentiation. Immunohistochemical staining typically reveals lineage markers such as desmin and myogenin, supporting a muscular differentiation.

Clinically, botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma is treated with multimodal therapy, often including chemotherapy and localized control measures such as surgery; radiotherapy is considered in selected cases. Prognosis depends on factors such as tumor site, extent, and response to therapy, with outcomes varying by stage and risk category. The term botryoidale remains a descriptive descriptor in pathology, helping to convey the grape-like architecture rather than defining a single disease entity.