Low-grade serous neoplasms of the ovary with transformation to high-grade carcinomas: a report of 3 cases

Int J Gynecol Pathol. 2012 Sep;31(5):423-8. doi: 10.1097/PGP.0b013e31824ae6f2.

Abstract

Ovarian borderline tumors usually occur in young patients and are associated with good clinical outcomes. A proportion of these tumors, particularly those with micropapillary features, may progress to low-grade serous carcinomas. Evolution of low-grade serous neoplasms to high-grade carcinomas is rare and infrequently reported. In this case report, we describe 3 cases of serous borderline tumor that progressed to high-grade carcinoma. Patient ages were 22, 35, and 47 yr. Two patients were initially diagnosed with ovarian serous borderline tumor, and recurred in the pelvis 3 and 10 yr later with sarcomatoid carcinoma. The third patient presented with low-grade serous carcinoma arising in a micropapillary serous borderline tumor, and recurred with a carcinosarcoma 3 yr later. All 3 patients had an aggressive clinical course: 2 died of disease and 1 patient has disease progression on chemotherapy. Occasional low-grade serous tumors of the ovary may transform to high-grade carcinomas, which can occur many years after initial diagnosis. The presence of a high-grade component significantly worsens patient outcomes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic* / genetics
  • Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous / genetics
  • Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous / mortality
  • Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous / pathology*
  • Female
  • Genes, p53
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation
  • Neoplasm Grading
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / genetics
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / mortality
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / analysis

Substances

  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53