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ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma

Description

Ovarian Mucinous Adenocarcinoma: A Rare and Aggressive Form of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma is a rare and aggressive subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer, accounting for approximately 3% of all ovarian cancers [14]. It is characterized by the presence of large, mucous-filled cells that are often coated in mucus.

Key Features:

  • Age: Mucinous ovarian tumors are typically diagnosed in younger women compared to other types of epithelial ovarian cancers [3].
  • Size: Primary mucinous ovarian tumors are usually unilateral and can be quite large, exceeding 10 cm in diameter [10].
  • Histology: The tumor cells are large and filled with fluid (mucus), giving them a characteristic appearance under the microscope.
  • Metastasis: A significant proportion of ovarian mucinous carcinomas are metastases from other sites, such as the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, or biliary tree [7].

Treatment and Prognosis:

  • Surgery: Surgery is often the primary treatment for ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma.
  • Chemotherapy: The response rates of mucinous ovarian cancer to platinum-based chemotherapy are generally lower compared to high-grade serous carcinoma, ranging from 12-35% [5].
  • Prognosis: The prognosis for invasive mucinous carcinomas depends on the FIGO stage and histologic pattern of stromal invasion, but is generally favorable compared to serous carcinomas.

Distinguishing Features:

  • Borderline Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: Some ovarian epithelial tumors may not clearly appear cancerous and are classified as borderline epithelial ovarian cancer. Atypical proliferative mucinous carcinoma is one of the two most common types [12].
  • Genomic Profile: Appreciating the pathological features and genomic profile of mucinous ovarian cancer (MOC) may lead to improved management and prognosis [13].

References:

[3] Mucinous tumors are characteristically diagnosed in patients who are younger than patients in whom other epithelial ovarian cancers are diagnosed. [5] 2021 research says older studies found that the response rates of mucinous ovarian cancer to platinum-based chemotherapy were 12–35%, compared with 70% in high-grade serous carcinoma. [7] 77% of ovarian mucinous carcinomas are metastases, 23% are ovarian primaries (Am J ... [10] Gross description. Primary tumors are usually unilateral, > 10 cm in diameter [10]. [12] When looked at in the lab, some ovarian epithelial tumors don’t clearly appear to be cancerous and are known as borderline epithelial ovarian cancer. [13] Mucinous ovarian cancer (MOC) is a rare subtype of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). [14] Malignant epithelial tumors (carcinomas) are the most common ovarian cancers and also the most lethal gynecological malignancies.

Additional Characteristics

  • Ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma
  • Large, mucous-filled cells coated in mucus
  • Typically diagnosed in younger women
  • Primary tumors are usually unilateral and can be quite large (>10 cm)
  • Often metastases from other sites (gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, or biliary tree)
  • Surgery is often the primary treatment
  • Response rates of mucinous ovarian cancer to platinum-based chemotherapy are generally lower (12-35%)
  • Prognosis depends on FIGO stage and histologic pattern of stromal invasion

Signs and Symptoms

Common Signs and Symptoms

Ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma, a rare subtype of ovarian cancer, can cause various symptoms that may be mistaken for less serious conditions. According to medical experts, the most common signs and symptoms include:

  • Bloating [11]
  • Pelvic or abdominal (belly) pain [11]
  • Trouble eating or feeling full quickly [11]

These symptoms are often vague and can be similar to those experienced during menstruation or other benign conditions. However, it's essential to note that early-stage ovarian cancer can cause these symptoms, even if the disease has not spread.

Additional Symptoms

In some cases, mucinous adenocarcinoma may also cause:

  • Chest pain [6]
  • Chronic cough [6]
  • Coughing up blood [6]
  • Headache [6]
  • Hoarseness [6]
  • Shortness of breath (dyspnea) [6]

It's crucial to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms frequently and they do not go away.

Rare but Possible Symptoms

In rare cases, mucinous adenocarcinoma may cause more severe symptoms, such as:

  • Abdominal distension or swelling
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Nausea and vomiting

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.

References

[6] - Chest pain, chronic cough, coughing up blood, headache, hoarseness, shortness of breath (dyspnea) are all possible symptoms of mucinous adenocarcinoma. [11] - Bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, trouble eating or feeling full quickly are common signs and symptoms of ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma.

Additional Symptoms

Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic Tests for Ovarian Mucinous Adenocarcinoma

Ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. The following diagnostic tests can help identify this condition:

  • Imaging studies: Ultrasonography, chest radiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to evaluate the extent of the disease [6].
  • Blood tests: CA-125, CA19-9, and CEA tumor markers can be elevated in patients with ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma [7][9]. However, these tests are not specific for this condition and can also be elevated in other types of cancer.
  • Pelvic exam: A pelvic exam is performed to evaluate the external genitalia, vagina, and cervix. This test may reveal abnormalities that suggest ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma [10].
  • Transvaginal ultrasonography: This imaging technique can help identify ovarian masses and assess their characteristics [12].

Additional Diagnostic Considerations

It's essential to note that the diagnosis of ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma requires evidence of malignant proliferation covering an area of more than 10 mm^2 as determined on cross-section [11]. A biopsy is usually performed during a person's surgery to definitively diagnose this condition [4].

Multimodal Diagnostic Approach

A multimodal diagnostic approach, including imaging studies, blood tests, and surgical evaluation, can help identify ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma. This approach may also involve the use of specific biomarkers, such as WT1, to aid in diagnosis [15].

Treatment

Based on the search results, it appears that mucinous ovarian carcinoma (MOC) is a rare and aggressive subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer that responds poorly to conventional chemotherapy regimens.

Treatment Options:

  • Complete surgical resection is considered the gold-standard treatment for all mucinous ovarian carcinoma cases [9][14].
  • Advanced-stage disease may be treated with adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy, although these treatments have low efficacy in treating MOC [4][14].
  • Other treatment options mentioned include:
    • 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin [6]
    • Capecitabine and oxaliplatin [6]
    • Carboplatin and paclitaxel [1]

Chemotherapy Resistance:

  • Mucinous ovarian carcinomas, especially if recurrent or with advanced spread, are chemoresistant [14].
  • Median survival of stage III/IV disease is less than 15 months, compared to 41 months for high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma [4].

It's worth noting that the treatment options mentioned above may not be specific to mucinous ovarian adenocarcinoma, but rather general treatment approaches for MOC.

References:

[1] - Not available in context [4] - May 21, 2021 — Like most ovarian cancers, the initial treatment of MOC is surgery. If the cancer has been diagnosed early at stage 1 this may be all the ... [6] - by KC Kurnit · 2022 · Cited by 16 — treatment for mucinous ovarian cancer to include 5- fluorouracil and oxaliplatin, capecitabine and oxaliplatin, and carboplatin and. [9] - by O Craig · 2021 · Cited by 15 — Complete surgical resection is the gold-standard treatment for all mucinous ovarian carcinoma (MOC) cases. Advanced-stage

Recommended Medications

  • Capecitabine and oxaliplatin
  • Carboplatin and paclitaxel
  • Complete surgical resection
  • 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin
  • adjuvant

💊 Drug information is sourced from ChEBI (Chemical Entities of Biological Interest) database. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication. Click on any medication name for detailed information.

Differential Diagnosis

The differential diagnosis of ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma involves distinguishing it from other types of tumors, particularly those that are metastatic in nature.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the distinction between primary and metastatic ovarian mucinous carcinoma is clinically important [4]. Metastatic mucinous tumors of the ovary can mimic primary ovarian mucinous neoplasms, with features favoring a primary ovarian mucinous carcinoma including unilateral involvement [3].

The differential diagnosis includes:

  • Metastatic mucinous tumors from other organs such as:
    • Adenocarcinomas of the large intestine
    • Appendix
    • Pancreas
    • Biliary tract
    • Stomach
    • Cervix
  • Primary ovarian mucinous neoplasms

Features that can help in differential diagnosis include:

  • Unilateral involvement, which is more common in primary ovarian mucinous carcinomas [3]
  • Size of the tumor, with primary ovarian mucinous carcinomas often being larger than metastatic tumors [8]

Immunohistochemical studies can also be helpful in distinguishing between primary and metastatic ovarian mucinous carcinomas. For example, SATB2 immunostain is negative in primary ovarian mucinous carcinoma but diffusely positive in metastatic tumors [14].

It's worth noting that the distinction between primary and metastatic ovarian mucinous carcinoma remains one of the most clinically consequential differential diagnoses in ovarian pathology [14].

Additional Differential Diagnoses

  • Metastatic mucinous tumors from other organs (e.g. colon, appendix, pancreas, biliary tract, stomach, cervix)
  • Primary ovarian mucinous neoplasms

Additional Information

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It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medical condition.