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Cytogenetic analysis of 33 uterine leiomyomas showed abnormal karyotypes in 11 cases. In 9 of 11 aberrant tumors, normal cells were also observed. Structural changes were most frequent, resulting in modal chromosome numbers in the diploid range. Our data confirmed preferential breakpoint clusters at 1 p34.2, 3 q13.3, 6 q21, 6 q24, 7q 31.2, 11 p12, 12 q15, 14 q24. We also found monosomy 22, ring chromosome 1 and 4 in uterine leiomyomas. Statistical analysis of possible relationships between tumor karyotypes ( abnormal versus normal ) and clinico-pathological data, as well as age of the patients, menopausal status and tumor size showed specific significance between myoma node size and abnor-mal karyotypes. (P value<0.05) We concluded that while many uterine myomas have normal karyotypes, clonal chromosome abnormalities are presented in 36.7 % of these tumors. The study of chromosome rearrangements in benign tumors might be helpful in defining chromosome regions associated with abnormal proliferation of cells.
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