ovarian serous carcinoma

Ovarian Serous Carcinoma Description

Ovarian serous carcinoma, also known as high-grade serous carcinoma, is a type of epithelial ovarian cancer that accounts for approximately 75% of all epithelial ovarian cancers [1]. It is characterized by its aggressive behavior and poor prognosis.

Histological Features

Serous carcinomas are solid and cystic tumors that frequently show areas of necrosis and hemorrhage. The solid areas are often composed of coalescent friable tumor cells with high-grade cytologic atypia [5].

Growth Patterns

These tumors can exhibit various growth patterns, including papillary, glandular, and solid growth patterns [7]. They are typically high-grade, meaning they have a high degree of cellular abnormality.

Symptoms

The symptoms of epithelial ovarian cancer, which includes serous carcinoma, can be non-specific and include abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, nausea and vomiting, bloating, and pelvic pain [6].

Comparison to Low-Grade Serous Carcinomas

It's worth noting that low-grade serous carcinomas are a different entity, accounting for about 1 in every 10 cases of epithelial ovarian cancer. These tumors are typically slow-growing and often detected in younger women [9].

References:

[1] High-grade serous carcinoma is the most common type of ovarian cancer, accounting for approximately 75% of epithelial ovarian cancers. [5] Serous carcinomas are solid and cystic tumors that frequently show areas of necrosis and hemorrhage. The solid areas are often composed of coalescent friable ... [6] What are the symptoms of epithelial ovarian cancer? · Abdominal pain. · Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly. · Nausea and vomiting. · Bloating. · Pelvic pain. [7] Jun 3, 2024 — Epithelial carcinoma of serous cell lineage with papillary, glandular and solid growth patterns and high grade cytologic atypia. [9] 1 in every 10 cases of epithelial ovarian cancer are low-grade

Ovarian serous carcinoma, a type of cancer that affects the ovaries, can exhibit various signs and symptoms. According to available information [2], this cancer accounts for over 70 percent of all ovarian cancers.

Some common symptoms associated with ovarian serous carcinoma include:

• Pelvic or abdominal pain, discomfort, or bloating
• Changes in eating habits, such as feeling full early and losing appetite
• Bloating
• Eating less and feeling weak

It's worth noting that early-stage ovarian cancer often has no noticeable signs or symptoms [5], making it challenging to diagnose at an early stage. However, as the cancer progresses, these symptoms may become more pronounced.

In some cases, ovarian serous carcinoma can also cause other symptoms such as indigestion and discomfort in the pelvic area [4]. It's essential for individuals to be aware of these potential signs and consult a healthcare professional if they experience any unusual or persistent symptoms.

References: [2] - April 15, 2022 [4] - What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer? · Pelvic or abdominal pain, discomfort or bloating. · Changes in your eating habits, getting full early and losing your ... [5] Aug 23, 2020 — The symptoms of ovarian cancer are typically vague (such as indigestion and bloating) and early-stage ovarian cancer has no symptoms.

Diagnostic Tests for Ovarian Serous Carcinoma

Ovarian serous carcinoma, a type of epithelial ovarian cancer, can be challenging to diagnose due to its non-specific symptoms and lack of early detection methods. However, several diagnostic tests are used to confirm the presence of this disease.

• Imaging tests: Computed tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen and pelvis with oral and intravenous contrast are commonly used to evaluate ovarian cancer. These scans can help identify larger tumors and assess if the tumor has spread to other organs [7].
• Blood testing: Blood tests, such as CA-125 levels, may be beneficial in detecting smaller lesions and monitoring treatment response. However, checking CA-125 levels is not recommended as a screening test for ovarian cancer due to its low sensitivity and specificity [13].
• Tissue biopsy: A tissue biopsy is the only definitive way to confirm an ovarian cancer diagnosis, including serous carcinoma. This involves surgically removing a sample of tissue from the affected area for histological examination [5].
• Imaging scans with contrast: CT scans can also be used to evaluate if the tumor has spread to other organs and to assess the effectiveness of treatment.
• Blood tests may distinguish between cancerous and benign pelvic masses with up to 91% accuracy, surpassing other commercially available tests.

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Differential Diagnosis of Ovarian Serous Carcinoma

Ovarian serous carcinoma, a type of epithelial ovarian cancer, presents a diagnostic challenge due to its extensive differential diagnosis. The following are some key points to consider:

• Benign processes: Most adnexal masses represent benign processes, such as cysts or fibroids [1].
• Serous borderline tumors: These tumors often overlap with low-grade serous cancer (LGSC) and pose specific diagnostic challenges [5].
• High-grade serous carcinoma: This is the most common type of ovarian cancer, accounting for approximately 75% of epithelial ovarian cancers [7]. It is a highly aggressive tumor that can be distinguished from its low-grade counterpart by pathological examination [6][8].
• Mucinous tumors: Serous ovarian tumors are typically smaller than mucinous tumors [4].
• Mesothelial cells: In some cases, serous carcinoma cells should be distinguished from benign mesothelial cells that may form tight clusters mimicking ovarian tumors or adnexal masses [10].

Key Points to Consider

• The differential diagnosis of ovarian serous carcinoma is extensive and includes both benign and malignant processes.
• Pathological examination is crucial in distinguishing between high-grade and low-grade serous carcinomas.
• Serous borderline tumors often overlap with LGSC, making diagnosis challenging.

References:

[1] Aug 15, 2024 — Adnexal masses present a diagnostic dilemma; the differential diagnosis is extensive, with most masses representing benign processes.

[5] Nov 3, 2023 — Low-grade serous cancer (LGSC) poses specific diagnostic challenges, often overlapping with serous borderline tumors.

[6] by EC Kertowidjojo · 2023 — The main differential diagnosis is high-grade serous carcinoma, which, in contrast to its low-grade counterpart, is a highly aggressive tumor, ...

[7] Jul 27, 2021 — High-grade serous carcinoma is the most common type of ovarian cancer, accounting for approximately 75% of epithelial ovarian cancers.

[8] by EC Kertowidjojo · 2024 — The main differential diagnosis is high-grade serous carcinoma, which, in contrast to its low-grade counterpart, is a highly aggressive tumor, though more ...

[10] by S Nofech-Mozes · 2008 · Cited by 122 — Commonly in these cases, serous carcinoma cells should be distinguished from benign mesothelial cells that may form tight clusters that mimic ovarian tumors or ...