Surgical Findings and Outcomes in Premenopausal Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Oophorectomy: A Multicenter Review From the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons Fellows Pelvic Research Network

Don't be STUMPed: description and management of uncommon pathologies encountered on specimens from benign gynecologic surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In this review, we aim to describe uncommon pathologies that gynecologic surgeons may reasonably encounter on surgical specimens following benign gynecologic surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

Herein, we describe uncommon pathologic findings of the uterus (e.g. squamous morular metaplasia, fibroid variants, stromal tumor of uncertain malignant potential), peritoneum and adnexa (e.g. endosalpingiosis, serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma), endometriosis (e.g. stromal endometriosis, atypical endometriosis), and findings of particular interest in postmenopausal women (e.g. ovarian cortical stromal hyperplasia, tubal metaplasia). The majority of pathologic findings presented in this article are inherently benign, although they can present diagnostic challenges. If properly classified, additional treatment and/or extended follow-up is often not required; exceptions are highlighted.

SUMMARY

The gynecologic surgeon may encounter uncommon pathologies during a career. Inherent diagnostic difficulties, as well as nonstandardized or outdated terminology, can introduce further uncertainty. Whenever such a situation arises, the surgeon and pathologist should discuss the diagnosis to ensure appropriate treatment options.

The evaluation of laparotomy results in breast cancer patients with gynecological pathologies

AIM

The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of the laparotomies due to gynecological pathologies in breast cancer patients and to assess the distribution of gynecological pathologies and the clinical and laboratory findings contributing to the diagnosis.

METHODS

This study was conducted between years 2002 and 2011 at Hacettepe University Hospital. We obtained information about 86 consecutive breast cancer patients, including age, time of diagnosis and pathology of breast cancer, hormone receptor status, history of endocrine therapy, presenting symptoms, ultrasonography findings, CA 125 levels, endometrial biopsy results, type of gynecological surgery and pathology results. Data were analyzed with the use of SPSS software.

RESULTS

Twenty-one (24.4%) out of 86 patients had endometrial pathology, and 24 (27.9%) had adnexal pathology. Fourteen patients (16.2%) had malignant pathology, and of them, 11 had ovarian cancer 3 had endometrial cancer. There were five abnormal cytological findings: 2 ASCUS, 1 LSIL, 1 ASC-H and 1 adenocarcinoma. The patient with the cytology report of adenocarcinoma had the final diagnosis of endometrial cancer. Of the patients, 67 (77.9%) used tamoxifen, whereas 19 (22.1%) did not. Thirty-three patients (38.4%) with gynecological pathologies were detected incidentally during routine follow-up of breast cancer.

CONCLUSION

This study supports the increase of the gynecological pathology incidence in breast cancer patients and the recommendation of close gynecological follow-up in these patients. Asymptomatic patients might also develop genital cancer. The ultrasonographic appearance of the adnexal masses or endometrial thickness and any abnormal vaginal bleeding or high CA 125 levels are important parameters for evaluating breast cancer patients.