obsolete serous neoplasm

Obsolete Serous Neoplasm: A Historical Term

The term "obsolete serous neoplasm" refers to a historical classification of a type of tumor that is no longer used in modern medical practice [3]. This term was previously used to describe a specific type of neoplasm, but it has been replaced by more accurate and up-to-date terminology.

Current Classification

In the current World Health Organization (WHO) classification, serous tumors are categorized into different subtypes based on their histological characteristics and clinical behavior [11]. The obsolete term "serous neoplasm" is no longer used in this context.

Relevance to Modern Medicine

While the term "obsolete serous neoplasm" may still be encountered in older medical literature, it is essential to note that modern medicine has moved beyond this classification. Instead, healthcare professionals use more precise and contemporary terminology to describe various types of tumors, including serous borderline tumor (SBT) [2] and low-grade serous carcinoma (LGSC) [15].

Key Points

• The term "obsolete serous neoplasm" is a historical classification that is no longer used in modern medicine.
• Current WHO classification categorizes serous tumors into different subtypes based on histological characteristics and clinical behavior [11].
• Modern terminology, such as SBT and LGSC, is used to describe specific types of tumors.

References:

[2] Aug 5, 2021 - Ovarian serous borderline tumor (SBT) is a low-grade epithelial neoplasm of generally younger women with a favorable prognosis when diagnosed at an early stage [2].

[3] obsolete serous neoplasm. Summary; Relationships; Other Pages; Genes Involved; Zebrafish Models. Search Ontology: Human Disease. obsolete serous neoplasm [3].

[11] As per the current World Health Organization (WHO) classification, serous tumors are the most common histologic type of tumors of the extrauterine female genital tract [11].

Common Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of an obsolete serous neoplasm, also known as a serous borderline tumor, can be nonspecific and may include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Bloating or swelling in the abdominal area
• Feeling full too quickly
• Nonspecific pelvic or abdominal pain

These symptoms are often present for several months before the diagnosis is made. It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be associated with other conditions, making early detection and diagnosis challenging.

Symptoms in Children

In children, the symptoms of an obsolete serous neoplasm may include:

• Isosexual precocity (early puberty)
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Vaginal bleeding or discharge

These symptoms are often present for several months before the diagnosis is made.

Other Symptoms

Additional symptoms that may be associated with an obsolete serous neoplasm include:

• Bloating or swelling in the abdominal area
• Feeling full too quickly
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Vaginal bleeding or discharge

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be associated with other conditions, making early detection and diagnosis challenging.

References

• [3] Serous borderline tumor: About a third are asymptomatic; otherwise present with nonspecific pelvic / abdominal pain (Oncologist 2012;17:1515)
• [6] Symptoms included abdominal pain, swelling and distension, bleeding per vagina etc. and were present in 9 cases for several months before the diagnosis was made.
• [7] These symptoms may include bloating, vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, abdominal swelling, constipation, and loss of appetite, among others.

Note: The information provided is based on the search results and may not be comprehensive or up-to-date. It's essential to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are several diagnostic tests and modalities used to diagnose serous borderline tumors (SBTs) and low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC). Here's a summary of the relevant information:

• Cytology: Cytological examination is an essential tool for diagnosing SBTs and LGSOC. Pap test, colposcopy with cervical biopsy, and cyst fluid biomarkers are used to determine the presence of abnormal cells in the ovary (1).
• Imaging studies: Anatomic imaging with ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a main tool for diagnosing, staging, and follow-up of ovarian cancer, including SBTs and LGSOC (6).
• CA 125 assay: The radioimmunoassay for CA 125, a tumor-specific antigen, is elevated in 80% of ovarian carcinomas, but only in 50% of women with cancer limited to the ovary (3). However, this test has poor ability to determine malignancy.
• TVU (Transvaginal Ultrasound): TVU is currently the most explored method for evaluating ovarian masses, despite its limitations in determining malignancy (5).
• Histopathology evaluation: Histopathology evaluation is the gold standard for diagnosing ovarian cancer and identifying the histological types of SBTs and LGSOC (8).

It's essential to note that definitive diagnosis of serous borderline tumors requires adequate sampling of the tumor, as mentioned in search result 1.

References:

[1] Ovary tumor - Serous borderline tumor [3] CA 125 assay for ovarian cancer [5] TVU for evaluating ovarian masses [6] Anatomic imaging for diagnosing and staging ovarian cancer [8] Histopathology evaluation for diagnosing ovarian cancer

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are various treatment options available for serous ovarian cancer, which was previously considered an obsolete term.

Current Treatment Landscape

According to search result [8], expert oncologist Premal Thaker, MD, MS, reviews the current treatment landscape for recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer. This suggests that while the term "obsolete" may have been used in the past, there are still ongoing efforts to develop effective treatments for this type of cancer.

MEK Inhibitors

Search result [9] highlights the promising activity of MEK inhibitors in recurrent low-grade serous carcinoma. Additionally, search result [10] mentions a small study from 2013 that showed a MEK-targeting drug could shrink tumors in people with low-grade serous ovarian cancer. This indicates that MEK inhibitors are being explored as potential treatments for this type of cancer.

PARP Inhibitors

Search result [7] mentions the use of PARP inhibitors to treat some women with advanced ovarian cancer that has returned after earlier treatment. Another search result [15] discusses a phase III study that showed a PARP inhibitor (veliparib) in combination with chemotherapy led to significantly longer progression-free survival than chemotherapy alone.

Other Treatment Options

Search result [5] mentions standard first-line treatment for advanced high-grade serous carcinoma, which includes cytoreductive surgery plus intravenous paclitaxel/platinum-based chemotherapy. Search result [6] notes that avutometinib has received an orphan drug designation from the FDA for recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer.

Summary

In summary, while the term "obsolete" may have been used in the past to describe serous neoplasms, there are currently various treatment options available for this type of cancer. MEK inhibitors, PARP inhibitors, and other treatments such as cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy are being explored as potential therapies.

References:

[7] Oct 29, 2019 [8] Oct 27, 2023 [9] by DM Gershenson · 2020 [10] In 2013, Dr. Gershenson and others reported results from a small study showing that a different MEK-targeting drug could shrink tumors in people with low-grade serous ovarian cancer. [15] A third phase III, randomised study (VELIA trial) has shown that another PARPi (veliparib) in combination with chemotherapy as initial treatment followed by veliparib maintenance therapy in patients with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma led to significantly longer PFS than chemotherapy alone.

Differential Diagnosis of Obsolete Serous Neoplasms

Obsolescence in medical terminology refers to the process of a disease or condition being reclassified, renamed, or no longer considered relevant due to advances in medical knowledge. In the context of serous neoplasms, obsolete terms may include "borderline tumor" or "low-grade serous carcinoma." When considering differential diagnosis for these obsolete conditions, it is essential to understand their historical classification and how they relate to modern diagnostic criteria.

Historical Context

• Borderline Tumor: Historically classified as a distinct entity from invasive carcinomas, borderline tumors were considered to have a low malignant potential. However, with advancements in pathology and molecular biology, the distinction between borderline tumors and low-grade serous carcinomas has become increasingly blurred.
• Low-Grade Serous Carcinoma: This term was used to describe a type of ovarian cancer that was thought to be less aggressive than high-grade serous carcinoma. However, recent studies have shown that low-grade serous carcinomas can exhibit similar clinical behavior and molecular characteristics as high-grade serous carcinomas.

Differential Diagnosis

When considering differential diagnosis for obsolete serous neoplasms, the following conditions should be taken into account:

• Serous Cystadenoma: A benign cystic tumor lined by a single layer of epithelium.
• Mucinous Cystadenoma: A benign cystic tumor lined by a single layer of epithelium, but with mucin production.
• Low-Grade Serous Carcinoma: A type of ovarian cancer that is considered to be less aggressive than high-grade serous carcinoma.
• Borderline Tumor: A term that was previously used to describe a condition with low malignant potential, but is now often considered synonymous with low-grade serous carcinoma.

Key Features for Differential Diagnosis

When differentiating between these conditions, the following features are essential:

• Histopathological examination: The presence of irregularly shaped and sized papillae, slit-like spaces, and cell stratification can help distinguish between serous cystadenoma and mucinous cystadenoma.
• Molecular pathology and immunohistochemistry: These tools can aid in identifying specific molecular markers associated with low-grade serous carcinoma or borderline tumor.
• Clinical behavior: The age of the patient, symptoms, and prognosis can also provide clues for differential diagnosis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when considering differential diagnosis for obsolete serous neoplasms, it is crucial to understand their historical classification and how they relate to modern diagnostic criteria. By taking into account key features such as histopathological examination, molecular pathology, immunohistochemistry, and clinical behavior, healthcare professionals can accurately diagnose and manage these conditions.

References:

• Farina R, Palmucci S, et al. Mr imaging of ovarian masses: classification and differential diagnosis. Insights Imaging 2016; 7: 21–41.
• Benign serous tumors composed of cells resembling fallopian tube epithelium. Serous borderline tumor: A low-grade, noninvasive serous neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential. Low-grade serous carcinoma: ... Differential Diagnosis.