An Ovarian Tumor With Small Cell Pattern at Intraoperative Assessment

Abstract

Gynecological oncologists frequently request intraoperative assessment of ovarian or adnexal masses because the provisional pathological diagnosis is used to guide surgical management. Frozen section has been used most widely in this context, but, as in other anatomic sites, this technique has well-recognized limitations. Cytologic preparations such as scrape smears or imprints can be made easily from tumor specimens and without the requirement of expert technical assistance. They offer the potential for wider tumor sampling and optimize cellular detail without artifacts related to tissue freezing. The case presented herein illustrates the complementary value of cytologic preparations as an adjunct to diagnosis in the interpretation of an ovarian tumor exhibiting a small cell morphologic pattern.