Imaging in gynecological disease (9): clinical and ultrasound characteristics of tubal cancer

Primary Fallopian Tube Carcinoma: An Extremely Rare Gynecological Cancer Misdiagnosed Intraoperatively as Benign Ovarian Neoplasm: A Case Report

Primary fallopian tube carcinoma is very rare. Diagnosis is challenging. The description of our case concerns an asymptomatic 71-year-old patient who came for a routine gynecological examination. Imaging of the pelvis revealed the presence of a two-chambered cystic formation in the anatomical position of the right ovary. It was decided to investigate the disease by laparotomy. Examination of the frozen section from the site of the cystic lesion was negative for malignancy. An abdominal total hysterectomy was performed with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Serous carcinoma of the fallopian tube was diagnosed postoperatively by histological examination of the surgical preparation. Immediately after surgery, the patient’s health was good.The patient was referred to an oncology center and was monitored. Chemotherapy based on platinum and taxane was recommended. Six months after the operation the patient is in good health. The possibility of a second surgery to treat fallopian tube cancer with pelvic lymph node dissectionis under discussion and is expected to be decided by oncologists and gynecologists-oncologists. In this article, after describing the case report, a brief review of this rare entity disease’s diagnostic and therapeutic approach is attempted.

Primary Fallopian Tube Cancer in an 89-Year-Old Patient

Fallopian tube cancer is an extremely rare gynecological condition, accounting for just 1 to 2% of all female tract malignancies. The mean age of diagnosis is similar to that of ovarian cancer, between 60 and 75 years, but it can affect a wide spectrum of ages. Advanced age and family history of ovarian and breast cancer are the main risk factors, since they are associated with increased incidence of this uncommon entity. In this study, we report a rare case of an elderly, 89-year-old patient that presented to our clinic due to vaginal bleeding.

ESGO/ISUOG/IOTA/ESGE Consensus Statement on preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumors

The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG), the International Ovarian Tumour Analysis (IOTA) group and the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) jointly developed clinically relevant and evidence-based statements on the preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumors, including imaging techniques, biomarkers and prediction models. ESGO/ISUOG/IOTA/ESGE nominated a multidisciplinary international group, including expert practising clinicians and researchers who have demonstrated leadership and expertise in the preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumors and management of patients with ovarian cancer (19 experts across Europe). A patient representative was also included in the group. To ensure that the statements were evidence-based, the current literature was reviewed and critically appraised. Preliminary statements were drafted based on the review of the relevant literature. During a conference call, the whole group discussed each preliminary statement and a first round of voting was carried out. Statements were removed when consensus among group members was not obtained. The voters had the opportunity to provide comments/suggestions with their votes. The statements were then revised accordingly. Another round of voting was carried out according to the same rules to allow the whole group to evaluate the revised version of the statements. The group achieved consensus on 18 statements. This Consensus Statement presents these ESGO/ISUOG/IOTA/ESGE statements on the preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumors and the assessment of carcinomatosis, together with a summary of the evidence supporting each statement.

ESGO/ISUOG/IOTA/ESGE Consensus Statement on pre-operative diagnosis of ovarian tumors

The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG), the International Ovarian Tumour Analysis (IOTA) group, and the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) jointly developed clinically relevant and evidence-based statements on the pre-operative diagnosis of ovarian tumors, including imaging techniques, biomarkers, and prediction models. ESGO/ISUOG/IOTA/ESGE nominated a multidisciplinary international group, including expert practising clinicians and researchers who have demonstrated leadership and expertise in the pre-operative diagnosis of ovarian tumors and management of patients with ovarian cancer (19 experts across Europe). A patient representative was also included in the group. To ensure that the statements were evidence-based, the current literature was reviewed and critically appraised. Preliminary statements were drafted based on the review of the relevant literature. During a conference call, the whole group discussed each preliminary statement and a first round of voting was carried out. Statements were removed when a consensus among group members was not obtained. The voters had the opportunity to provide comments/suggestions with their votes. The statements were then revised accordingly. Another round of voting was carried out according to the same rules to allow the whole group to evaluate the revised version of the statements. The group achieved consensus on 18 statements. This Consensus Statement presents these ESGO/ISUOG/IOTA/ESGE statements on the pre-operative diagnosis of ovarian tumors and the assessment of carcinomatosis, together with a summary of the evidence supporting each statement.

Ultrasound evaluation of ovarian masses and assessment of the extension of ovarian malignancy

The current review sums up the literature on the diagnostic performance of models to predict malignancy in adnexal masses and the ability of ultrasound to make a specific diagnosis in adnexal masses. A summary of the role of ultrasound in assessing the extension of malignant ovarian disease is also provided.

ESGO/ISUOG/IOTA/ESGE Consensus Statement on preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumours

The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG), the International Ovarian Tumour Analysis (IOTA) group and the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) jointly developed clinically relevant and evidence-based statements on the preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumours, including imaging techniques, biomarkers and prediction models. ESGO/ISUOG/IOTA/ESGE nominated a multidisciplinary international group, including expert practising clinicians and researchers who have demonstrated leadership and expertise in the preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumours and management of patients with ovarian cancer (19 experts across Europe). A patient representative was also included in the group. To ensure that the statements were evidence-based, the current literature was reviewed and critically appraised. Preliminary statements were drafted based on the review of the relevant literature. During a conference call, the whole group discussed each preliminary statement and a first round of voting was carried out. Statements were removed when a consensus among group members was not obtained. The voters had the opportunity to provide comments/suggestions with their votes. The statements were then revised accordingly. Another round of voting was carried out according to the same rules to allow the whole group to evaluate the revised version of the statements. The group achieved consensus on 18 statements. This Consensus Statement presents these ESGO/ISUOG/IOTA/ESGE statements on the preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumours and the assessment of carcinomatosis, together with a summary of the evidence supporting each statement.

Nonovarian Mimics of Ovarian Malignancy

Once a pelvic mass is identified on an ultrasound examination, the first step in the differential diagnostic work up is to determine its origin. Most lateral pelvic masses in women are ovarian in origin, and the distinction between ovarian and nonovarian mimics of ovarian cancer is critical for appropriate clinical and surgical management. Adnexal masses detected on ultrasound can be further characterized by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) when needed. Superior contrast resolution, multiplanar imaging, characteristic signal intensity of common pathology such as dermoid tumors or endometriomas allows one to accurately evaluate adnexal tumors with supplemental use of MRI. Commonly encountered extraovarian abnormalities that mimic ovarian malignancies are categorized as being either predominantly cystic or solid. The common causes of such extraovarian lesions that mimic ovarian pathology include fallopian tube diseases, paroaovarian cysts, peritoneal inclusion cysts, and a pedunculated or a broad ligament fibroid. Less common causes of cystic and solid nonovarian mimics of ovarian malignancy include mucocele of the appendix, lymphocele, spinal meningeal cysts, extraovarian endometriomas, extraovarian fibrothecomas, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (Table 1). Identifying a normal appearing ovary is the key in distinguishing an extraovarian pelvic mass from an ovarian tumor. This becomes particularly challenging in postmenopausal women with atrophic ovaries. In this scenario, MRI comes into use by identifying small atrophic ovaries more often than ultrasound is able to. Extraovarian lesions typically displace the pelvic sidewall vasculature medially, ureters tend to be compressed, encased or medially displaced, enhancement matches pelvic arteries and may be associated with engorged mesenteric vessels compared to gonadal vessel engorgement seen with ovarian tumors.

Imaging in gynecological disease (14): clinical and ultrasound characteristics of ovarian clear cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical and ultrasound characteristics of ovarian pure clear cell carcinoma.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study involving data from 11 ultrasound centers. From the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) database, 105 patients who had undergone preoperative ultrasound examination by an experienced ultrasound examiner between 1999 and 2016 were identified with a histologically confirmed pure clear cell carcinoma of the ovary. An additional 47 patients diagnosed with pure clear cell carcinoma between 1999 and 2016 and with available complete preoperative ultrasound reports were identified retrospectively from the databases of the departments of gynecological oncology in the participating centers. The ultrasound images of all tumors were described using IOTA terminology. Clinical and ultrasound characteristics were analyzed for the whole group, and separately, for patients with and those without histologically confirmed endometriosis, and for patients with evidence of tumor developing from endometriosis.

RESULTS

Median age of the 152 patients was 53.5 (range, 28-92) years and 92/152 (60.5%) tumors were FIGO Stage I. Most tumors (128/152, 84.2%) were unilateral. On ultrasound examination, all tumors contained solid components and 36/152 (23.7%) were completely solid masses. The median largest diameter of the lesion was 117 (range, 25-310) mm. Papillary projections were present in 58/152 (38.2%) masses and, in most of these (51/56, 91.1%), vascularized papillary projections were seen. Information regarding the presence, site and type of pelvic endometriosis at histology was available for 130/152 patients. Endometriosis was noted in 54 (41.5%) of these. In 24/130 (18.6%) patients, the tumor was judged to have developed from endometriosis. Patients with, compared to those without, evidence of tumor developing from endometriosis were younger (median 47.5 vs 55.0 years, respectively), and ground-glass echogenicity of cyst fluid was more common in pure clear cell cancers developing from endometriosis (10/20 vs 13/79 (50.0% vs 16.5%), respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Ovarian pure clear cell carcinoma is usually diagnosed at an early stage and typically appears as a large unilateral mass with solid components. Patients with clear cell carcinoma developing from endometriosis are younger than other patients with clear cell carcinoma, and clear cell cancers developing from endometriosis more often manifest ground-glass echogenicity of cyst fluid. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Imaging in gynecological disease (13): clinical and ultrasound characteristics of endometrioid ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical and ultrasound characteristics of ovarian pure endometrioid carcinomas.

METHODS

This was a retrospective multicenter study of patients with a histological diagnosis of pure endometrioid carcinoma. We identified 161 patients from the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) database who had undergone preoperative ultrasound examination by an experienced ultrasound examiner between 1999 and 2016, and another 78 patients from the databases of the departments of gynecological oncology in the participating centers. All tumors were described using IOTA terminology. In addition, one author reviewed all available ultrasound images and described them using pattern recognition.

RESULTS

Median age of the 239 patients was 55 years (range, 19-88 years). On ultrasound examination, two (0.8%) endometrioid carcinomas were described as unilocular cysts, three (1.3%) as multilocular cysts, 37 (15.5%) as unilocular-solid cysts, 115 (48.1%) as multilocular-solid cysts and 82 (34.3%) as solid masses. Median largest tumor diameter was 102.5 mm (range, 20-300 mm) and median largest diameter of the largest solid component was 63 mm (range, 9-300 mm). Papillary projections were present in 70 (29.3%) masses. Most cancers (188 (78.7%)) were unilateral. In 49 (20.5%) cases, the cancer was judged by the pathologist to develop from endometriosis. These cancers, compared with those without evidence of tumor developing from endometriosis, more often manifested papillary projections on ultrasound (46.9% (23/49) vs 24.7% (47/190)), were less often bilateral (8.2% (4/49) vs 24.7% (47/190)) and less often associated with ascites (6.1% (3/49) vs 28.4% (54/190)) and fluid in the pouch of Douglas (24.5% (12/49) vs 48.9% (93/190)). Retrospective analysis of available ultrasound images using pattern recognition revealed that many tumors without evidence of tumor developing from endometriosis (36.3% (41/113)) had a large central solid component entrapped within locules, giving the tumor a cockade-like appearance.

CONCLUSIONS

Endometrioid cancers are usually large, unilateral, multilocular-solid or solid tumors. The ultrasound characteristics of endometrioid carcinomas developing from endometriosis differ from those without evidence of tumor developing from endometriosis, the former being more often unilateral cysts with papillary projections and no ascites. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A Preliminary Report Requiring Continuation of Research to Confirm Fallopian Tube Adenocarcinoma: A Non-Experimental, Non-Randomized, Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Transvaginal ultrasound has fair characteristics, and pathology is an invasive technique for fallopian tube tumor diagnosis. Magnetic resonance images have better intra- and inter-observer reliabilities for detection of primary fallopian tube malignant tumor(s) than the other diagnostic modalities. The purpose of this study was to investigate parameters of different types of magnetic resonance images for women with fallopian tube adenocarcinoma and to compare these parameters with the FIGO grading system to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and prognosis.

Material/Methods

A total of 121 women who had clinically-proven fallopian tube adenocarcinoma were included in this cross-sectional study. A 3.0 T magnetic resonance images system was used for spin-lattice relaxation-weighted (T1WI), spin-spin relaxation-weighted (T2WI), diffusion-weighted, (DWI), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) images. ANOVA following Tukey post hoc tests and Spearman rank correlation were performed at 99% confidence level.

Results

Axial T1WI, axial T2WI, and axial DWI, were provided low, intermediate, and high fluid signal intensity, respectively, for a tumor. Sagittal T1WI showed contrast uptake by the mass with necrosis. Sagittal T2WI showed a solid mass with well-defined walls. Sagittal DWI showed restriction to diffusion. ADC values were significantly higher for FIGO grade 1 women than for FIGO grade 3 women (p<0.0001, q=16.591). The Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.1012 between mean ADC and FIGO grading.

Conclusions

We recommend that magnetic resonance images be included in the FIGO guideline for grading of malignancies in the female genital tract.

Isolated fallopian tube metastasis from colorectal cancer: ultrasonographic features

We present here the first-reported case of tubal metastasis from colorectal cancer diagnosed by a preoperative pelvic ultrasound. A 53-year-old woman suffering from vaginal discharge was referred to us 2 years after she underwent a partial colectomy for adenocarcinoma. The pelvic ultrasound examination revealed a right pelvic mass of 52 × 24 × 38 mm, independent of the right ovary, which was apparently unaffected. A right salpingo-oophorectomy was performed and the definitive histopathology examination showed a recurrence of the initial adenocarcinoma with a right tubal metastasis. The eventuality of such an unusual site of metastasis should be remembered.

The Usefulness of Ultrasound Imaging in Gynecologic Oncology

Pelvic ultrasound examination is the primary imaging modality for evaluating a wide range of female pelvic symptomatology, and is often the first imaging test to detect a gynecologic malignancy. Ultrasound imaging is particularly useful for evaluating the thickness and appearance of the endometrium in patients with abnormal bleeding, and in detecting and characterizing ovarian lesions. This article reviews the ultrasound appearance of gynecologic neoplasms grouped by anatomic site of origin, the ultrasound appearance of select benign pelvic pathology not to be misinterpreted as malignancy, as well as available ultrasound imaging-based guidelines for managing potential gynecologic neoplasms.

Sonographic Diagnosis of Tubal Cancer with IOTA Simple Rules Plus Pattern Recognition

Objective:

To evaluate diagnostic performance of IOTA simple rules plus pattern recognition in predicting tubal cancer.

Methods:

Secondary analysis was performed on prospective database of our IOTA project. The patients recruited in the project were those who were scheduled for pelvic surgery due to adnexal masses. The patients underwent ultrasound examinations within 24 hours before surgery. On ultrasound examination, the masses were evaluated using the well-established IOTA simple rules plus pattern recognition (sausage-shaped appearance, incomplete septum, visible ipsilateral ovaries) to predict tubal cancer. The gold standard diagnosis was based on histological findings or operative findings.

Results:

A total of 482 patients, including 15 cases of tubal cancer, were evaluated by ultrasound preoperatively. The IOTA simple rules plus pattern recognition gave a sensitivity of 86.7% (13 in 15) and specificity of 97.4%. Sausage-shaped appearance was identified in nearly all cases (14 in 15). Incomplete septa and normal ovaries could be identified in 33.3% and 40%, respectively.

Conclusion:

IOTA simple rules plus pattern recognition is relatively effective in predicting tubal cancer. Thus, we propose the simple scheme in diagnosis of tubal cancer as follows. First of all, the adnexal masses are evaluated with IOTA simple rules. If the B-rules could be applied, tubal cancer is reliably excluded. If the M-rules could be applied or the result is inconclusive, careful delineation of the mass with pattern recognition should be performed.

Primary Fallopian Tube Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC) is a rare tumour of the female genital tract with an incidence of 0.1-1.8% of all genital malignancies, and it is very difficult to diagnose preoperatively, because of its non-specific symptomatology. In most cases, it is an intraoperative finding or a histopathological diagnosis. It is a tumour that histologically and clinically resembles epithelial ovarian cancer.

CASE PRESENTATION

We are reporting a case of a 62-year-old, postmenopausal women with primary fallopian tube carcinoma of the right fallopian tube in stage IA. The patient has lower abdominal pain, watery vaginal discharge and repeated episodes of bleeding from the vagina. The clinical and radiological findings suggested a right adnexal tumour with elevated CA-125 levels. Total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy and peritoneal washing were performed. Pathologic confirmation of primary serous cystadenocarcinoma of the right fallopian tube was made. Peritoneal washings were negative for malignancy. FIGO stage was considered as IA, and the patient received no courses of chemotherapy and postoperative radiation because she refused it. Ten months after initial surgery, the patient is alive and in good condition.

CONCLUSION

Cytoreduction surgery followed by adequate cycles of chemotherapy is an important strategy to improve patients' prognosis.

Unusual location of a plexiform neurofibroma in the fallopian tube: A case report

It is rare for neurofibromatosis to occur in the female genital tract. We report a case of a plexiform neurofibroma in the left fallopian tube in a 50-year-old postmenopausal woman. The initial diagnosis was a pedunculated leiomyoma or a fallopian tube tumor. Laparotomy was performed and a solid mass approximately 90 x 60 x 40 mm in size was found in the left fallopian tube. Total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with an appendectomy, lymphadenectomy and omentectomy was performed. The histopathological diagnosis was plexiform neurofibroma. Although neurofibromatosis may involve various gynecological structures, to the best of our knowledge, localized plexiform neurofibroma in the fallopian tube has not previously been reported. The presented case is the first report of clinical, ultrasound and histopathological findings in a fallopian tube neurofibroma. Neurofibroma is a neoplasm that should be taken into consideration when diagnosing pelvic masses.

[Ultrasonographic features in the preoperative diagnosis of primitive fallopian tube carcinoma]

OBJECTIVES

To review the characteristic ultrasound features of primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC) and its relationship to the clinical history in order to establish specific findings useful for the preoperative diagnosis.

METHOD

An extensive review of the current literature was done on Medline via PubMed by using the following keywords: "primary fallopian tube cancer", "tubal cancer", "adnexal malignancy mass" and "ultrasound".

RESULTS

PFTC corresponds to complex, sausage-shaped structures or cystic adnexal masses. A thick and an irregular capsule are in favour of a malignant lesion. Three-dimensional ultrasound is superior to 2D ultrasound for the detection of tubal wall irregularities such as papillary projections or pseudosepta who were suggestive of tubal malignancy and allows a better assessment of the extent of tumor infiltration through the capsule. Neovascularization with low resistance indices are typical of tubal malignancy. Three-dimensional power Doppler sonography acutely detected structural abnormalities of the malignant tumor vessels which are randomly dispersed within the papillary projections. Intra-uterine collection and peritumoral fluid are often found but ascite could be also an indirect proof of peritoneal carcinosis.

CONCLUSION

Sausage-shaped structures or cystic adnexal masses associated with imaging findings such as papillary projections and neovascularization with low resistance indices are in favour of PFTC. A standardized terminology, high-frequency and 3D power Doppler could improve diagnostic performance by allowing a better assessment of tubal wall and chaotic vessels architecture of these tumors.