The course will provide a case-based, interactive presentation focusing on specific and common diagnostic problems in superficial and deep soft tissue surgical pathology. Audience participation is encouraged. We will emphasize a cytologic and pattern recognition approach to these tumors. Topics to be discussed include but are not limited to spindle cell lesions, small round cell tumors of childhood, lipomatous tumors, and myxoid neoplasms. When applicable, the role of core needle biopsy will be illustrated and discussed. Although emphasis will be predominantly placed on light microscopic features, the use of ancillary techniques, including immunohistochemistry and cytogenetic analysis, will be discussed when applicable to the particular case.

The course is designed for pathology residents and general surgical pathologists seeking a better understanding of the histologic features of some of the more common adult and pediatric soft tissue tumors. Virtual slides from the unknown cases will be available for review on the USCAP website prior to the meeting. A comprehensive syllabus will be distributed at the course, and after the course participants will be able to access on the website to the PowerPoint presentation given at the Annual Meeting along with the text portion of the syllabus.

Upon completion of the course, the participants should be able to: 1) Confidently approach the differential diagnosis of common problematic areas in soft tissue pathology using pattern recognition. 2) Discuss and recognize diagnostic pitfalls in soft tissue pathology. 3) Identify when to avoid as well as effectively utilize ancillary techniques for the diagnosis of soft tissue lesions.

(LAST SCHEDULED PRESENTATION) This course may be used for CME credits or SAM credits.