Squamous cell carcinoma arising in a dermoid cyst of the ovary: a case series

Abstract

Objective Malignant transformation in a dermoid cyst of the ovary is a rare complication, occurring in only 1-2% of cases, with squamous cell carcinoma being the most common type. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult because of the lack of specific symptoms and signs to suggest malignancy. Because of the small numbers of women involved, our knowledge of this rare tumour type is limited. This study aims to further characterise the population of women affected, the disease itself and the most appropriate management strategy.Design We identified 14 women with this diagnosis between 1989 and 2006. This is a descriptive study, looking at the patient characteristics, mode of presentation and the role of tumour markers and radiological imaging in diagnosis. We also examined the stage and pathological features of the tumour at presentation and the subsequent course of the disease. We have also described our experiences using surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the management of these women.Results We found that these tumours present at an age older than that of mature teratomas and that there are no reliable diagnostic tools or prognostic indicators. The behaviour of these tumours is unpredictable, and the role of chemotherapy and radiotherapy remains unclear. We suggest that repeated surgical resection of disease at the time of relapse could give a very durable response in selected women.

Adeno - Squamous Carcinoma Ar Ising in Mature Cystic Teratoma: A Rare Case Report

“…[11] Symptoms at presentation are variable in both diagnoses with some patients presenting with acute abdominal pain and others with constitutional symptoms such as fatigue, urinary symptoms and anorexia/weight loss. [12] In our case, woman's age was 36 years old and presented with the complains of abdominal pain and it is worth to mention her premenopausal status. Although tumor markers may be raised in patients with squamous cell carcinoma arising from MCT, it is difficult to use tumor markers to distinguish between MCT and squamous cell carcinoma arising from an MCT since tumor markers can also be elevated with MCT.…”

The value of ultra sonogram in the diagnosis of ovarian dermoid cysts

“…But at times benign cystic teratoma may appear to be suspiciously malignant during initial scan due to its complex solid and cystic nature [16][17][18][19] . The malignant degeneration may be present in one to three percent of all cystic teratomas [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] . Computed Tomography (CT) scan, specifi cally diagnoses fat, calcifi cations and fat level correctly and is considered the modality of choice.…”

Elevated preoperative neutrophil : lymphocyte ratio as a preoperative indicator of mature cystic teratoma with malignant transformation

“…In some instances, a preoperative diagnosis is difficult, and a final diagnosis of MT is made unexpectedly on final pathological examination or intraoperatively. MT has a poorer prognosis than epithelial ovarian cancer, and there is currently no standardized chemotherapeutic regimen because of its rarity 4, 5…”