Ovarian tumors are abnormal growths on the ovaries, the female reproductive organs that produce eggs. Ovarian tumors can be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Many things can make you more likely to develop an ovarian tumor.
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Ovarian Tumors Mehrab Farooq 202012 Eman Fatima 202013 Rimsha khalid 202058 Shazam Ali 202037
Classification of ovarian tumors
Benign ovarian tumors Most benign ovarian tumors will be diagnosed following investigation of women complaining of acute pelvic pain or chronic pelvic pain (CPP), or noticing the presence of an abdominal mass. They may also be found incidentally during a gynaecological examination or pelvic ultrasound scan (USS). The presentation with the different types of benign ovarian tumors varies with age.
Types Benign ovarian tumors
Functional ovarian cysts This group of ovarian cysts includes: follicular corpus luteal theca luteal cysts The risk of developing functional cysts is reduced by the use of the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP). diagnosis is made when the cyst measures more than 3 cm They appear as simple unilocular cysts on ultrasound Theca luteal cysts are associated with pregnancy, particularly multiple pregnancy, and are often diagnosed incidentally at routine ultrasound. They are often bilateral. Most resolve spontaneously during pregnancy Corpus luteal cysts occur following ovulation and may present with pain due to rupture or haemorrhage , typically late in the menstrual cycle.
Management Management depends on symptoms: If asymptomatic , the patient can be reassured and a repeat USS performed to check resolution or non-enlargement and thereafter the patient can be discharge. If symptomatic , she can be booked for laparoscopic cystectomy if necessary. Treatment for corpus luteal cyst is expectant, with analgesia. Occasionally, surgery may be necessary if there has been significant bleeding to wash out the pelvis and perform an ovarian cystectomy.
INFLAMMATORY OVARIAN CYSTS Inflammatory ovarian cysts are usually associated with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) They are most common in young women. The inflammatory mass may involve the tube, ovary and bowel and can be described on imaging as a mass or an abscess. Occasionally, the tubo ovarian mass can develop from other infective causes, for example appendicitis or diverticular disease. Diagnosis is similar to that for PID: inflammatory markers are helpful. TREATMENT: Antibiotics Surgical drainage or excision. Definitive surgery is usually deferred until after the acute infection has resolved, due to the risks of perioperative systemic infection and bleeding from handling acutely inflamed and infected tissue.
endometrioma When endometrial tissue is implanted into the ovary an endometrioma forms. This cyst may be large and contains old, altered blood that has a thick brown appearance, and for this reason is frequently referred to as a ‘chocolate cyst’ Endometriotic tissue responds to cyclical hormonal changes and therefore undergoes cyclical bleeding and local inflammatory reactions. These regularly repeated episodes of bleeding and healing lead to fibrosis and adhesion formation between pelvic organs, causing pain and infertility. In extreme cases a ‘frozen pelvis’ results, where extensive adhesions tether the pelvic organs and obliterate normal pelvic anatomy TVUSS can detect endometriosis involving the ovaries (endometriomas or chocolate cysts)
GERM CELL TUMORS These are the most common ovarian tumors in young women aged 20–40 years, The most common form of benign germ cell tumor is the mature dermoid cyst (cystic teratoma), which contains fully differentiated tissue types derived from all three embryonic germ cell layers (mesenchymal, epithelial and stroma). Hair, teeth, fat, skin, muscle, cartilage, bone and endocrine tissue are frequently present. Up to 10% of dermoid cysts are bilateral. The risk of malignant transformation is rare (<2%), usually occurring in women over 40 years. Diagnosis is usually confirmed with a pelvic USS and because of the high fat content present in dermoid cysts, MRI may also be useful where there is uncertainty. In general, ovarian cystectomy is indicated because spontaneous resolution is unlikely. Surgery is especially indicated if the dermoid cyst is symptomatic and is more than 5 cm in diameter or is enlarging. Cystectomy will prevent ovarian torsion and provide tissue for histological analysis.
Epithelial tumors Benign epithelial tumors increase in frequency with age and are most common in perimenopausal women. The most common epithelial tumors are serous cystadenomas, accounting for 20–30% of benign tumors in women under 40. Serous cystadenomas are typically unilocular and unilateral Mucinous cystadenomas are large multiloculated cysts that are bilateral in 10% of cases. Brenner tumors are small tumors often found incidentally within the ovary. They contain urothelial like epithelium and may rarely secrete estrogen.
SEX CORD STROMAL TUMORS Ovarian fibromas are the most common sex cord stromal tumors. They are solid ovarian tumors composed of stromal cells. They present in older women, often with torsion due to the heaviness of the ovary. Occasionally, patients may present with Meig syndrome (pleural effusion, ascites and ovarian fibroma). Following removal of the ovarian fibroma, the pleural effusion will usually resolve. Thecomas are benign estrogen-secreting tumors. They often present after the menopause with manifestations of excess estrogen production, usually postmenopausal bleeding. Although benign, they may induce an endometrial carcinoma.
DIAGNOSIS of benign ovarian tumors History Details of presenting symptoms Symptoms may include: Pelvic discomfort or pressure on the bowel or bladder. Acute pain may represent torsion of a cyst, rupture or haemorrhage into it. Full gynecological history Examination: General physical examination (hypovolemia, lymphadenopathy, ankle edema) Abdominal examination Bimanual examination Abdominal and bimanual pelvic examination may elicit a pelvic/abdominal mass that may be tender and will be separate from the uterus.
investigations The first-line investigation for women with a suspected pelvic mass or pelvic pain is an USS. A TVUSS has better resolution for pelvic masses. A transabdominal ultrasound scan (TAUSS) is indicated in women who have never been sexually active, or in combinations with a TVUSS where large ovarian masses extending beyond the pelvis and into the abdomen are present. The use of color flow doppler may increase the reliability if ultrasound. Computed tomography (CT) scanning or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can further characterize the nature of ovarian cysts, especially where they are thought to be potentially malignant. Serological tumor markers should also be taken to help determine the type of ovarian cyst and differentiate between a benign and malignant neoplasm A pregnancy test should be performed to exclude pregnancy. Inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and white cell count (WCC), are important if the differential diagnosis includes appendicitis or a tubo -ovarian abscess.
Tumor markers used in the investigation and follow-up of ovarian cysts:
management
Ovarian torsion Torsion of an ovary refers to a situation where there is rotation of the vascular pedicle supplying the ovary, which compresses and cuts its blood supply. Torsion is more likely with enlargement of the ovary as is seen in the presence of an ovarian cyst. Up to 15% of dermoid cysts present acutely with torsion.
Presenting symptoms: Acute onset of lower abdominal pain associated with nausea and vomiting. Investigation: Pelvic USS with Doppler measurement of blood flow may be useful in the diagnosis, to confirm the presence of a cyst and comment on blood flow to the ovary. Torsion of a normal ovary is very unlikely. Management: Emergency surgical treatment to untwist the ovary and its attached pedicle is required to restore blood flow, and the ovarian cyst should then be removed. However, if this complication is not recognized within a few hours of presentation, infarction and gangrene may result, necessitating removal of the necrotic ovary. Decision making to operate should be based on clinical findings, with transvaginal ultrasound scan (TVUSS) support.
malignant ovarian tumors Primary ovarian cancers are: Epithelial (80%) Sex cord stromal or germ cell. The ovary is also a common site for metastatic spread; Krukenberg tumors are ovarian metastases associated with primary cancers of the colon, stomach and breast.
CLASSIFICATION
EPITHELIAL TUMORS Epithelial tumors of the ovary can be benign, malignant or borderline. Approximately 10% of epithelial tumours are classified as borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs). These tumors are well differentiated, with some features of malignancy (nuclear pleomorphism, cellular atypia) but do not invade the basement membrane. BOTs spread to other abdominopelvic structures (peritoneum, omentum ) but do not often recur following initial surgery. The majority of BOTs are serous tumors. Mucinous BOTs may actually arise from appendiceal carcinomas of low malignant potential High-grade serous carcinomas account for around 75% of all epithelial ovarian cancers; mucinous and endometrioid tumors are less common, accounting for 10%, followed by clear cell carcinomas. High grade serous tumors are characterized histologically by concentric rings of calcification, known as ‘psammoma bodies’. Mucinous carcinomas are generally large multiloculated tumors associated with pseudomyxoma peritoneii . Endometrioid carcinomas are similar in histological appearance to endometrial cancer, are associated with endometriosis in approximately 10% of cases and also a synchronous separate endometrial cancer in 10–15%. They tend to be well differentiated and are associated with a better survival than high-grade serous carcinomas. Clear cell carcinomas can also arise from endometriosis and are characterized histologically by clear cells, much like renal cancer
ETIOLOGY HIGH GRADE PELVIC SEROUS CARCINOMAS: High-grade pelvic serous carcinoma has been coined to incorporate all high-grade serous tumours arising from the ovary, Fallopian tube and/or peritoneum. Data from women with BRCA mutations who have undergone risk-reducing prophylactic bilateral salpingo -oophorectomy (BSO) suggest a Fallopian tubal precursor lesion for high-grade pelvic serous tumours . These precursors are called serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) lesions, and they are characterized by mutations in p53 in secretory cells of the distal Fallopian tube. As many as 30% of high-grade pelvic serous cancers have BRCA mutations, which has implications for the majority of women who present with apparently sporadic disease. Endometrioid, mucinous, clear cell, borderline and low-grade serous ovarian carcinomas: Inclusion cysts of the ovarian surface epithelium and endometriosis give rise to neoplasms that are distinctly ovarian in origin, and can include mucinous, endometrioid, clear cell, borderline and low-grade serous carcinomas. Endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers are usually of endometrioid or clear cell histological subtype. The origin of these tumors involves driver mutations in KRAS, PTEN, BRAF and ARID1A rather than TP53.
RISK FACTORS
GENETIC FACTORS IN OVARIAN CANCERS It is estimated that at least 10–15% of women with epithelial ovarian cancer have a hereditary predisposition. Women with mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2 and Lynch syndrome have an increased lifetime risk of epithelial ovarian cancer. Hereditary cancers usually occur around 10 years before sporadic cancers and are associated with other cancers (particularly of the breast, colon and rectum). The most common hereditary cancer is the breast ovarian cancer syndrome (BRCA), accounting for 90% of the hereditary cancers. This syndrome is due to a mutation of tumor suppressor genes BRCA1 (80%) and BRCA2 (15%). Lynch syndrome is hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) and is associated with endometrial cancer and a 10% lifetime risk of ovarian cancer. Hereditary ovarian cancers tend to be adenocarcinomas, present in later stages with the exception of Lynch-associated tumors, and recent evidence supports improved survival, probably due to a better response to platinum chemotherapy
CLINICAL FEATURES Most women with ovarian cancer have symptoms; however, these symptoms are non-specific and often vague. The difficulty with clinical diagnosis is the main reason that patients with ovarian cancer present with late stage disease (66% present with stage 3 disease or greater), and this has a dramatic effect on survival. The most common symptoms are: Increased abdominal girth/bloating. Persistent pelvic and abdominal pain. Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly. Other symptoms such as change in bowel habit, urinary symptoms, back ache, irregular bleeding and fatigue occur frequently and any women with persistence of these symptoms should be assessed by their general practitioner (GP).
EXAMINATION Pelvic and abdominal examination may reveal a fixed, hard mass arising from the pelvis. The differential diagnosis of a pelvic mass includes: Non-epithelial ovarian cancer, Tubo -ovarian abscess, Endometriomas Fibroids. In combination with the presence of ascites, a diagnosis of ovarian cancer is highly likely. Early-stage ovarian cancer is difficult to diagnose due to the position of the ovary, but an adenexal mass may be palpable in a slim woman. It should be noted that less than 20% of adenexal masses in premenopausal women are found to be malignant; in postmenopausal women this increases to around 50%. Chest examination is important to assess for pleural fluid The neck and groin should be examined for enlarged nodes.
INVESTIGATIONS TVUSS is the initial imaging modality of choice The investigation of any pelvic mass includes the measurement of tumor markers. CA125 is a non-specific tumor marker that is elevated in over 80% of epithelial ovarian cancers. The Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI) is calculated from menopausal status, pelvic ultrasound features and CA125 level to triage pelvic masses into those at low, intermediate and high risk of malignancy. CT and/or MRI scans. Other investigations required for preoperative work-up include: chest X-ray, electrocardiography (ECG) full blood count urea and electrolytes liver function tests. If the patient presents with gross ascites or pleural effusion, paracentesis or pleural aspiration may be required for symptom relief and/or diagnosis If the diagnosis is uncertain or if primary chemotherapy is being considered (for advanced disease, or in patients not fit to undergo surgery), a biopsy is needed before treatment can be given. This is performed laparoscopically or radiologically (ultrasound or CT-guided biopsy). Usually the omentumis a good site for biopsy.
TUMOR MARKERS
STAGING International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging of ovarian cancer:
MANAGEMENT Chemotherapy Chemotherapy can be given as primary treatment, as an adjunct following surgery or for relapse of disease. First-line treatment is usually a combination of a platinum compound with paclitaxel. Most regimes are given on an outpatient basis, 3 weeks apart for six cycles. Carboplatin is now the main platinum compound used as it is less renal toxic and causes less nausea than cisplatin, but is equally as effective. Following completion of chemotherapy, patients have a further CT scan to assess response to treatment.
CRITERIA FOR DIAGNOSIS Prognostic factors in ovarian cancer: Ovarian cancer survival by stage at diagnosis:
Sex cord stromal tumors They are tumors of low malignant potential Good long-term prognosis Some morbidity may arise from the estrogen (granulosa, theca or Sertoli cell) or androgen production (Sertoli–Leydig or steroid cell) characteristic of these tumors Peak incidence is around the age of the menopause Juvenile granulosa cell tumor usually presents in girls under 10 years of age, causing precocious puberty. Granulosa cell tumors are the most common subtype, accounting for over 70% of sex cord stromal tumors.
Clinical features Irregular menstrual bleeding Postmenopausal bleeding Precocious puberty in young girls Unilateral ovarian masses, measuring up to 15 cm in diameter. Granulosa cell tumors may present as: A large pelvic mass or with pain due to torsion/ haemorrhage . Sertoli–Leydig cell tumors produce androgens in over 50% of cases. Patients present with a pelvic mass and signs of virilization. Common symptoms are: Amenorrhoea Deep voice Hirsutism. Occasionally, this group of tumors produce estrogen and rarely renin, causing hypertension.
TREATMENT Treatment is based on the patient’s age and wish to preserve fertility. If the patient is young: Unilateral salpingo -oophorectomy Endometrial sampling Staging. In the older group, full surgical staging is recommended. Granulosa cell tumors can recur many years after initial presentation and long term follow-up is required. Recurrence is usually well defined and surgery is the mainstay of treatment as there is no effective chemotherapy regime.
GERM CELL TUMORS Malignant germ cell tumors occur mainly in young women They are derived from primordial germ cells within the ovary and because of this may contain any cell type. Dysgerminomas: 50% of all germ cell tumors. They are bilateral in 20% of cases and occasionally secrete human chorionic gonadotrophin ( hCG ). Endodermal sinus yolk sac tumors: Second most common germ cell tumors, accounting for 15% of the total. They are rarely bilateral and secrete α-fetoprotein (AFP). Spread of endodermal sinus tumours is a late event and is usually to the lungs.
Immature teratomas: 15–20% of malignant germ cell tumours and about 1% of all teratomas. They are classified as mature or immature depending on the grading of neural tissue present. About one-third of teratomas secrete AFP. Occasionally, there can be malignant transformation of a cell type within a mature teratoma. The most common cell type to transform is the epithelium, usually squamous cell carcinoma. Non-gestational choriocarcinomas: Very rare, usually presenting in young girls with irregular bleeding and very high levels of hCG .
CLINICAL FEATURES The most common presenting symptom is a pelvic mass; 10% present acutely with torsion or haemorrhage and due to the age incidence, some present during pregnancy. Tumour markers are measured preoperatively as this may influence the need for postoperative chemotherapy. MRI is helpful to assess morphology, particularly within teratomas. CT scaning of the abdomen allows assessment of the liver and lymph nodes. All patients should have a chest X-ray to exclude pulmonary metastases.
TREATMENT Surgery is tailored to suit the patient. As most women presenting with malignant germ cell tumors are of reproductive age, fertility-sparing treatment may be preferred. An exploratory laparotomy is performed to remove the tumor and assess contralateral spread to the other ovary (20% in dysgerminoma). If there is a cyst present on the other ovary, this should be removed. Careful inspection of the abdominal cavity is required with peritoneal biopsies and sampling of any enlarged pelvic or para-aortic nodes performed. If metastatic disease is found, it should be debulked at surgery. Intraoperative frozen sections may be required to assess nodal status.
Postoperative chemotherapy depends on stage of disease. Stage 1 dysgerminomas and low-grade teratomas are treated by surgery alone and the 5-year survival is in excess of 90%. For the remainder of tumors and for patients with disease outside the ovary, chemotherapy is given. The most common regime used is a combination of bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin (BEP), given as a course of three to four treatments, 3 weeks apart. This regime gives long-term cure rates of over 90% and also preserves fertility if required. If the patient has recurrent disease, 90% will usually present in the first year following diagnosis; salvage chemotherapy has very good success rates.