Estrogen and androgen receptors in inflammatory fibroid polyp (Vanek's tumor): case report.

BACKGROUND/AIM Vanek's tumor is an inflammatory fibroid polyp (IFP) of very low incidence, which originates in the submucosa of the stomach, duodenum, jejunum and ileum. The etiology of this tumor is still unknown. Histologically, IFP is characterized by submucosal spindle cell proliferation in fibromyxoid stroma with inflammatory infiltrate. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of estrogen and androgen receptors in IFP and compare it with its proliferative loci. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study analyzed a 79-year-old patient suffering from IFP. Analyses were performed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Androgen-positive spindle cells were detected at the periphery of onion skin-like formations. Estrogen receptor-positive cells were not detected and Ki67 showed low proliferative activity. CONCLUSION This case report shows for the first time the presence of androgen receptor-positive cells whose location corresponds with the distribution of Ki67-positive cells in IFP.