Prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy in 51 women with familial breast-ovarian cancer: importance of fallopian tube dysplasia

Pathological findings following risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy in BRCA mutation carriers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the benefit of risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) by estimating the pathological positive rate of occult lesions, including serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) and occult cancers (OCCs).

METHODS

BRCA1/2 mutation carriers who underwent RRSO in a Chinese study center between 2014 and 2018 were included. A literature review was performed, followed by a meta-analysis of the literature to further validate the findings.

RESULTS

Twenty-four BRCA1/2 mutation carriers who underwent RRSO were identified; one patient (4.2%) had STIC, and one patient (4.2%) had occult fallopian tube cancer complicated by STIC. Thirty-four articles were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. Of the reported cases of OCC, 61.3% occurred in the fallopian tubes and 32.3% in the ovaries, and 81.5% were in the early stages. The estimated rate of overall pathological positive events was 5%. The estimated rates of overall STIC events and OCC were 1% and 3%, respectively. The rates of STIC and OCC were 1% and 3%, respectively, for BRCA1 mutation carriers and 1% and 1%, respectively, for BRCA2 mutation carriers. No significant difference was observed between the results of a routine examination of pathological sections and those of the Sectioning and Extensively Examining the Fimbriae (SEE-FIM) protocol.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first report of RRSO results in China. In this systematic review, the positive rates of STIC or OCC after RRSO were no more than 3%, which are 200-fold higher than the risk of the general population. The use of a strict SEE-FIM protocol would likely increase positive results.

Sequential molecular changes and dynamic oxidative stress in high-grade serous ovarian carcinogenesis

The mechanism of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) development remains elusive. This review outlines recent advances in the understanding of sequential molecular changes associated with the development of HGSC, as well as describes oxidative stress-induced genomic instability and carcinogenesis. This article reviews the English language literature between 2005 and 2017. Clinicopathological features analysis provides a sequential progression of fallopian tubal epithelium to precursor lesions to type 2 HGSC. HGSC may develop over a long time after incessant ovulation and repeated retrograde menstruation via stepwise accumulation of genetic alterations, including PAX2, ALDH1A1, STMN1, EZH2 and CCNE1, which confer positive selection of cells with growth advantages through acquiring driver mutations such as BRCA1/2, p53 or PTEN/PIK3CA. Haemoglobin and iron-induced oxidative stress leads to the emergence of genetic alterations in fallopian tubal epithelium via increased DNA damage and impaired DNA repair. Serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC), the likely precursor of HGSC, may be susceptible to DNA double-strand breaks, exhibit DNA replication stress and increase genomic instability. The induction of genomic instability is considered to be a driving mechanism of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced carcinogenesis. HGSC exemplifies the view of stepwise cancer development. We describe how genetic alterations emerge during HGSC carcinogenesis related to oxidative stress.

The conceptual advances of carcinogenic sequence model in high-grade serous ovarian cancer

The present review focuses on the current status of molecular pathology in high-grade serous cancer (HGSC) and preneoplastic conditions. This article reviews the English-language literature on HGSC, precursor, fallopian tubal epithelium, secretory cells, ciliated cells, secretory cell expansion, secretory cell outgrowth (SCOUT), p53 signature, serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC), DNA damage and immunohistochemistry in an effort to identify the precursor-carcinoma sequence in HGSC. The majority of HGSC originates from the fimbriated end of the fallopian tube secretory epithelial cells, while the small part of this disease may develop from ovarian cortical inclusion cyst (CIC). A series of morphological changes from normal fallopian epithelium to preneoplastic to neoplastic lesions were concomitant with the multistep accumulation of molecular and genetic alterations. Recent studies provide a stepwise progression of fallopian tubal epithelium to precursor lesions to carcinoma, with the aid of a 'secretory cell-SCE-SCOUT-p53 signature-STIC-HGSC sequence' model. Immunohistochemical markers, including p53, STMN1, EZH2, CCNE1, Ki67 and γ-H2AX, were gradually increased during the SCOUT-p53 signature-STIC-HGSC sequence. Conversely, PAX2 expression was decreased during the early phase of SCOUT development. Potential genes and proteins are involved in the evolutionary trajectory of the precursor-cancer lineage model. In the present review we examined detailed aspects of the molecular changes involved in malignant transformation from fallopian tube epithelium to HGSC. A precursor condition originating in 'field cancerization' may gain a growth advantage, leading to HGSC.

Tubal Cytology of the Fallopian Tube as a Promising Tool for Ovarian Cancer Early Detection

Currently, it is widely accepted that the vast majority of ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) originate from the fallopian tube. However, due to the lack of markers or tools for the ovarian cancer identification, the early detection of HGSC remains challenging. Direct sampling of the fallopian tube can enhance sensitivity for detection of neoplastic cells when the tumor is not grossly visible. We developed a procedure to collect fallopian tube cells directly from freshly received surgical specimens, which has shown excellent correlation with histological findings. This approach lays a foundation for the future utility of minimally invasive laparoscopic screening in high-risk patient populations.

Cytologic studies of the fallopian tube in patients undergoing salpingo-oophorectomy

BACKGROUND

Mounting evidence suggests the fallopian tube as the origin for ovarian high grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). We attempted to identify the tubal cytological features that allow us to distinguish malignant from benign conditions.

METHODS

Tubal specimens (n = 56) were collected from patients who underwent bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) due to various clinical indications. A standard procedure to collect fallopian tube brushings from freshly received surgical specimens was developed. Cytological diagnoses were classified into three categories: benign, atypical, and suspicious for malignancy/malignant. Cytological variables of individual cells and epithelia were subjected to statistical analysis. The fallopian tube histology was used as diagnostic reference for confirmation of cytology diagnosis.

RESULTS

Among the 56 fallopian tube specimens, 2 (3.7 %) showed inadequate cellularity preventing further evaluation, 11 (20.4 %) were diagnosed as malignant or suspicious of malignancy, 7 were atypical, and 36 were benign. The presence of three dimensional clusters (p < 0.0001, Fisher's Exact Test), or prominent nucleoli (p = 0.0252, Fisher Exact test) was highly correlated with the diagnosis of malignancy. The suspicious malignant/malignant cytological diagnosis was also highly correlated with presence of HGSC with or without serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC).

CONCLUSIONS

Tubal cytology may be useful for ovarian cancer screening and early detection.

The lack of clinical value of peritoneal washing cytology in high risk patients undergoing risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy: a retrospective study and review

BACKGROUND

To assess the clinical value of peritoneal washing cytology (PWC) in women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations and women from a family with hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer (HBOC) undergoing risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) in detecting primary peritoneal cancer (PPC) or occult ovarian/fallopian tube cancer.

METHODS

A retrospective study of patients with known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation or HBOC who underwent RRSO at the Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands between January 2000-2014. Patients with an elevated risk of malignancy prior to the procedure were excluded from primary analysis (elevated CA-125, an ovarian mass, abdominal pain or another gynecological malignancy). A review of the literature was conducted.

RESULTS

Of the 471 patients who underwent RRSO, a total of 267 cytology samples were available for analysis. Four samples showed malignant cells, all four patients were diagnosed with ovarian and/or fallopian tube cancer at histologic examination. A fifth patient, of whom no cytology sample was obtained during RRSO, developed primary peritoneal cancer 80 months post RRSO.

CONCLUSIONS

This study failed to show that cytology is of value during RRSO in detecting primary peritoneal cancer, however 36% of patients with concomitant ovarian or fallopian tube cancer had positive cytology. Therefore, the routine sampling of peritoneal washings during RRSO is not found to be useful to detect subsequent PPC.

Incidence of serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) by algorithm classification in serous ovarian tumor associated with PAX8 expression in tubal epithelia: a study of single institution in Japan

Serous ovarian carcinoma is now hypothesized to originate from fallopian tube epithelium (FTE). We investigated the FTE abnormalities in the patients with epithelial ovarian tumors. Our study included 55 cases of serous tumors (24 carcinomas, 8 borderline tumors, and 23 adenomas), 14 mucinous carcinomas, 22 endometrioid carcinomas, 5 clear cell carcinomas, and 2 malignant Brenner tumors. FTE was diagnosed by the diagnostic algorithm, which combines the data of morphology, and p53, Ki-67 immunostaining, as serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma, serous tubal intraepithelial lesion, p53 signature, and normal/reactive. Serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma, serous tubal intraepithelial lesion, p53 signature, and normal/reactive were observed in 5, 3, 0, and 16 cases in serous carcinoma; 0, 3, 0, and 5 cases in serous borderline tumor; 0, 1, 1, and 21 cases in serous adenoma; 0, 0, 1, and 13 cases in mucinous carcinoma; 0, 0, 3, and 19 cases in endometrioid carcinoma; 0, 0, 0, and 5 cases in clear cell carcinoma; and 0, 1, 0, and 1 case in malignant Brenner tumor. Among tumors of serous histology and between carcinomas, FTE abnormalities differed significantly (P<0.05). Serous tubal intraepithelial carcinomas were only found in serous carcinoma. The incidence of secretory cell proliferation (SCP) was examined by PAX8 expression. The rate of SCP was extremely high in serous carcinoma (96%). Among tumors of serous histology and between carcinomas, an incidence of SCP differed significantly (P<0.05). Patients with SCP were significantly older (P<0.0001). Our observations were concordant with the hypothesis of serous ovarian carcinogenesis. The SCP has a meaningful association with serous ovarian cancer.

Pathologic findings at risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy: primary results from Gynecologic Oncology Group Trial GOG-0199

PURPOSE

Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) lowers mortality from ovarian/tubal and breast cancers among BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. Uncertainties persist regarding potential benefits of RRSO among high-risk noncarriers, optimal surgical age, and anatomic origin of clinically occult cancers detected at surgery. To address these topics, we analyzed surgical treatment arm results from Gynecologic Oncology Group Protocol-0199 (GOG-0199), the National Ovarian Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Study.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

This analysis included asymptomatic high-risk women age ≥ 30 years who elected RRSO at enrollment. Women provided risk factor data and underwent preoperative cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) serum testing and transvaginal ultrasound (TVU). RRSO specimens were processed according to a standardized tissue processing protocol and underwent central pathology panel review. Research-based BRCA1/2 mutation testing was performed when a participant's mutation status was unknown at enrollment. Relationships between participant characteristics and diagnostic findings were assessed using univariable statistics and multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Invasive or intraepithelial ovarian/tubal/peritoneal neoplasms were detected in 25 (2.6%) of 966 RRSOs (BRCA1 mutation carriers, 4.6%; BRCA2 carriers, 3.5%; and noncarriers, 0.5%; P < .001). In multivariable models, positive BRCA1/2 mutation status (P = .0056), postmenopausal status (P = .0023), and abnormal CA-125 levels and/or TVU examinations (P < .001) were associated with detection of clinically occult neoplasms at RRSO. For 387 women with negative BRCA1/2 mutation testing and normal CA-125 levels, findings at RRSO were benign.

CONCLUSION

Clinically occult cancer was detected among 2.6% of high-risk women undergoing RRSO. BRCA1/2 mutation, postmenopausal status, and abnormal preoperative CA-125 and/or TVU were associated with cancer detection at RRSO. These data can inform management decisions among women at high risk of ovarian/tubal cancer.

BRCA carriers, prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy and menopause: clinical management considerations and recommendations

Women who inherit a mutation in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene have greatly elevated lifetime risks of ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer and breast cancer. Preventive surgical removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes (salpingo-oophorectomy) is recommended to these women, often prior to natural menopause, to prevent cancer. The ensuing hormone deprivation may impact on health and quality of life. Most of these women experience menopausal symptoms shortly after surgery; however, there may also be longer term consequences that are less well understood. In this review, we highlight recent studies that examine the implications of salpingo-oophorectomy on health and quality of life in BRCA-positive women and we discuss the care of women following prophylactic surgery.

Validation of an algorithm for the diagnosis of serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma

It has been reported that the diagnosis of serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) is not optimally reproducible on the basis of only histologic assessment. Recently, we reported that the use of a diagnostic algorithm that combines histologic features and coordinate immunohistochemical expression of p53 and Ki-67 substantially improves reproducibility of the diagnosis. The goal of the current study was to validate this algorithm by testing a group of 6 gynecologic pathologists who had not participated in the development of the algorithm (3 faculty and 3 fellows) but who were trained in its use by referring to a website designed for the purpose. They then reviewed a set of microscopic slides, which contained 41 mucosal lesions of the fallopian tube. Overall consensus (≥4 of 6 pathologists) for the 4 categories of STIC, serous tubal intraepithelial lesion (our atypical intermediate category), p53 signature, and normal/reactive was achieved in 76% of the lesions, with no consensus in 24%. Combining diagnoses into 2 categories (STIC versus non-STIC) resulted in an overall consensus of 93% and no consensus in 7%. The κ value for STIC versus non-STIC among all 6 observers was also high at 0.67 and did not significantly differ, whether for faculty (κ=0.66) or fellows (κ=0.60). These findings confirm the reproducibility of this algorithm by a group of gynecologic pathologists who were trained on a website for that purpose. Accordingly, we recommend its use in research studies. Before applying it to routine clinical practice, the algorithm should be evaluated by general surgical pathologists in a community setting.

Peritoneal washing cytology in patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations undergoing risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomies: a 10-year experience and reappraisal of its clinical utility

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the utility of peritoneal washing cytology (PWC) for detecting occult primary peritoneal carcinoma in patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, we reviewed PWCs obtained during risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) from 117 patients at our institution and correlated the results with surgical pathology findings.

METHODS

Records of 128 PWCs from 125 patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations undergoing RRSO at MD Anderson Cancer Center between 2000 and 2010 were obtained. Slides were available for review for 119 PWCs from 117 patients (2 patients had 2 PWCs each). Cytopathologists, blinded to the RRSO histopathologic diagnoses, categorized the PWCs as benign, atypical, suspicious for malignancy, or malignant. These results were correlated with the RRSO histopathologic diagnoses.

RESULTS

PWCs from 113 patients were benign. Of the remaining 4 patients, 2 had PWCs classified as atypical, 1 as suspicious for malignancy, and 1 as malignant. The corresponding RRSO histopathologic findings of the 2 atypical PWCs showed endosalpingiosis and cystadenofibroma in one case and showed no abnormalities in the other case. Both patients with suspicious or malignant PWCs, indicating the possibility of occult peritoneal carcinoma, had RRSO histopathologic diagnoses of endometriosis and endosalpingiosis. Nine patients had abnormal tubal or ovarian histologic findings, but all 9 of these patients had benign PWCs.

CONCLUSION

PWC has the potential to detect occult peritoneal carcinoma in patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. The clinical significance of a positive PWC without abnormal RRSO histology remains unclear and will require long-term follow-up for determination.

[Don't forget fallopian tubes! A morphologic and immunohistochemical study about Fallopian tubes with genetic risk (BRCA mutation)]

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to describe morphologic and immunohistochemical features of precursor tubal lesions in prophylactically removed Fallopian tubes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Hundred and forty-seven bilateral salpingectomies (genetic predisposition or group A: n=57; and control group or group B: n=90) were reviewed by two pathologists blinded to clinical data. Seven epithelial cytological and architectural features were studied to compare the degree of tubal epithelial abnormalities between the two groups. Immunohistochemical expression patterns of Ki67 and p53 were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Serous tubal intraepithelial lesions (STIL) have been identified in group A with stronger expression for Ki67 and p53 (especially in BRCA 1 group) than in group B.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The current results show the importance of salpingo-oophrectomy in BRCA mutation carriers and the complete histopathological sampling of the Fallopian tubes.

[Ovarian epithelial dysplasia: Description of a dysplasia scoring scheme]

INTRODUCTION

Precancerous ovarian epithelial dysplasia was first described after prophylactic oophorectomy (OP) for genetic risk (BRCA mutation) or because of a strong family history of ovarian and/or breast cancer. The objective of this study was to describe histopathological features of ovarian dysplasia and to propose a dysplasia scoring sheme with a cut-off.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

One hundred and twenty-five bilateral oophorectomies (genetic predisposition: n=35 and control group: n=90) were reviewed by two pathologists blinded to clinical data. Eleven epithelial cytological and architectural features were studied and an ovarian dysplasia score was defined to compare the degree of ovarian epithelial abnormalities between the two groups.

RESULTS

Mean ovarian dysplasia score was significantly higher in prophylactic oophorectomy group than in control group (9.0 versus 3.5, P<0.001). Dysplasia was more severe in OP with BRCA mutation than in OP without (11.6 in BRCA 1; 7.6 in BCRA 2; 7.1 in family history). The cut off for dysplasia was 8 with a sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 93.3%.

CONCLUSION

The increased dysplasia score in OP and the gradation in dysplastic severity in OP with proven BRCA mutations may suggest that ovarian dysplasia could be a pre-malignant non invasive histopathological lesion. The 11 cytological and architectural features in the dysplasia scoring sheme could be a useful tool to study ovarian dysplasia.

Autofluorescence imaging can identify preinvasive or clinically occult lesions in fallopian tube epithelium: a promising step towards screening and early detection

BACKGROUND

Optical imaging systems are robust, portable, relatively inexpensive, and have proven utility in detecting precancerous lesions in the lung, esophagus, colon, oral cavity and cervix. We describe the use of light-induced endogenous fluorescence (autofluorescence) in identifying preinvasive and occult carcinomas in ex vivo samples of human fallopian tube (FT) epithelium.

METHODS

Women undergoing surgery for an i) ovarian mass, ii) a history suggestive of hereditary breast-ovarian cancer, or iii) known serous ovarian cancer following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) were approached for informed consent. Immediately following surgery, FT's were photographed in reflectance and fluorescence at high resolution. Images included: (1) white-light reflectance of luminal/epithelial surface; (2) narrow-band green reflectance (570 nm) (3) green autofluorescence (405/436 nm excitation); and (4) blue autofluorescence (405 nm excitation). Areas revealing a loss of natural tissue fluorescence or marked increase in tissue microvasculature were recorded and compared to final histopathologic diagnosis (SEE-FIM protocol).

RESULTS

Fifty-six cases involving one or both fallopian tubes underwent reflectance and fluorescence visualization. Nine cases were excluded, either secondary to non-ovarian primary pathology (7) or excessive trauma (2) rendering tissue interpretation impossible. Of the 47 cases remaining, there were 11 high grade serous (HGS) and 9 non-serous ovarian carcinomas undergoing primary debulking surgery, 5 serous carcinomas having received NAC, 8 benign ovarian tumors, and 14 women undergoing risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (RRBSO). Methodology was feasible, efficient, and reproducible. TIC or carcinoma was identified in 7/11 HGS, 3/5 NAC, and 1/14 RRBSO. Optical images were reviewed to determine test positive or negative based on standardized criteria. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for the entire cohort (73%; 83%; 57%; 91%) and in a subgroup that excluded non-serous histology (87.5%; 92%; 78%; 96%).

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormal FT lesions can be identified using ex vivo optical imaging technologies. With this platform, we will move towards genomic interrogation of identified lesions, and developing in vivo screening modalities via falloposcopy.

Multistep level sections to detect occult fallopian tube carcinoma in risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomies from women with BRCA mutations: implications for defining an optimal specimen dissection protocol

Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) significantly lowers the incidence of ovarian, tubal, peritoneal, and breast cancer in women who carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 germline mutations. A minority of RRSO specimens from these women will contain occult early-stage carcinoma. Most occult cancer is localized in the fallopian tube fimbriae and is as small as 1 mm in size. Pathologic detection is dependent on thoroughness of tissue examination. Recommended protocols to maximize tumor detection emphasize the role of thinly slicing the tubes and ovaries and embedding the entire specimen for microscopic examination. Additional multistep level sections of tubal fimbriae tissue blocks could theoretically increase detection of occult tubal carcinoma but the value of level sections has not been formally evaluated. This study tests the diagnostic utility of multistep level sections in RRSO specimens from 102 women with BRCA germline mutations. The original diagnoses were based on a single section from each block of thinly sliced (2 to 3 mm intervals) tissues of the entire RRSO specimen. Three multistep level sections were retrospectively obtained from each block containing tubal fimbriae. Clinically occult carcinoma ranging in size from 1 to 13 mm was initially detected in 11 of 102 women (5 in tubal fimbriae only, 1 in tubal isthmus only, 2 in fimbriae and ovary, and 3 in ovary only). Diagnoses in the original fimbrial slides and their level sections were concordant in all cases. All tubal cancers were detected in both the original sections and in the multistep level sections. None of the tubal carcinomas that were noninvasive on the original slides showed invasive growth on additional level sections. No tubal carcinoma was identified in the level sections of any case originally classified as benign. Clinical follow-up among women with benign RRSO findings revealed that 2 women subsequently developed peritoneal carcinomatosis at 22 and 62 months postoperatively. Retrospective exhaustive multistep level sectioning of all remaining tubal and ovarian blocks from both these women confirmed the original benign diagnosis in 1 woman but in the other woman, the deepest levels of 1 ovarian block revealed a single 1-mm nodule of cancer at the base of an ovarian surface epithelial invagination. This specimen was one of the first RRSO cases in our experience and on review of the original report, this ovary was not dissected into multiple slices along its short axis but was only bivalved along its long axis. We propose that there does not seem to be any diagnostic value in automatically performing multistep deeper level sections of RRSO specimens if the tissue is sectioned appropriately and if the specimen is sliced at intervals that are no more than 3 mm thick. Guidelines for evaluation of RRSO specimens should emphasize the use of an optimal dissection protocol and the importance of thin tissue slice intervals.

Ovarian epithelial dysplasia and prophylactic oophorectomy for genetic risk

To make an accurate histopathological description of ovarian dysplasia in a population at genetic risk of ovarian cancer and devise an ovarian dysplasia score.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, 90 patients who had undergone bilateral oophorectomy or ovarian cystectomy between 1992 and 2005 and whose ovaries were reported as normal were divided into two groups: Group A comprising prophylactic oophorectomies for genetic predisposition (N = 28), and Group B or control group, fertile and non-cancerous (N = 62). Eleven epithelial cytological and architectural features were defined. Ovaries were analysed and reviewed by four pathologists blinded to clinical data. An ovarian dysplasia score was devised to quantify extent of ovarian epithelial abnormalities. The degrees of ovarian epithelial abnormalities (dysplasia scores) were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Mean dysplasia score was significantly higher in Group A (prophylactic oophorectomies) than in Group B (control group) (9.67 vs. 4.19, P < 0.001). In Group A, we observed a gradation in the severity of the dysplastic lesions between (i) proven BRCA mutations and prophylactic oophorectomies without mutations (11.26 vs. 8.1), and (ii) according to age (10.27 after age 50 years vs. 8.6 before age 50 years, P = 0.2962).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest abnormalities in ovaries from high risk women. The ovarian dysplasia may be a pre-malignant, non-invasive histological lesion that could be an important step in early neoplasia.

The influence of physiological and surgical menopause on coronary heart disease risk markers

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of physiological and surgical menopause on serum concentrations of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk markers and sex hormones.

DESIGN

Physiological menopausal transition was investigated in two studies. In a longitudinal study, 16 women were followed from 2 years before until 2 years after physiological menopause. In a case-control study, 27 early postmenopausal women were compared with 27 age-matched late premenopausal women. Surgical menopause was investigated in 11 women undergoing a prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The following parameters were measured: serum concentrations of estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, inhibin A, inhibin B, asymmetric dimethylarginine, lipids, leptin, homocysteine, C-reactive protein, and coenzyme Q10, as well as weight and body mass index.

RESULTS

After physiological and surgical menopause, serum estradiol and inhibin A and B decreased, whereas follicle-stimulating hormone increased (all P values < 0.01). Serum asymmetric dimethylarginine, total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and leptin concentrations were significantly higher in postmenopausal women compared with premenopausal women (all P values < 0.05). Serum homocysteine concentrations increased significantly during the physiological menopausal transition. Total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased after surgical menopause (both P values = 0.01). None of the other parameters studied were influenced significantly by the menopausal transition. No difference in change in the various CHD risk markers investigated was observed between physiological and surgical menopause.

CONCLUSIONS

The CHD risk profile was affected unfavorably by both physiological and surgical menopause. Changes in most CHD risk markers were small, despite the substantial changes in hormonal parameters.

Parity, tubal sterilization, hysterectomy and risk of primary fallopian tube carcinoma in Finland, 1975-2004

We studied the possible relationship among parity, female sterilization, hysterectomy and the risk of primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC) in a case-control study in Finland in cases occurring between 1975 and 2004. A total of 573 PFTC cases were identified from the Finnish Cancer Registry, and 10 age-matched controls per case were randomly selected from the Finnish Central Population Registry. In multivariate analysis (including 189 PFTC cases and 1764 controls) parity was protective: the odds ratio (OR) for 1-2 deliveries was 0.63 (95% CI 0.44-0.91) and for > or =3 deliveries, 0.32 (95% CI 0.19-0.52). The OR for sterilization was 0.74 (95% CI 0.42-1.30) and for hysterectomy 1.27 (95% CI 0.73-2.21). Our findings suggest a possible hormonal background as regards the development of PFTC.

Neoplasms of the fallopian tube and broad ligament: a selective survey including historical perspective and emphasising recent developments

Recent contributions on selected aspects of the pathology of tubal and paratubal neoplasms are reviewed after a brief historical perspective. The most important, considering both frequency and clinical importance, are those pertaining to tubal carcinoma. These can be grouped as follows: (1) recognition that endometrioid carcinoma is the second most common carcinoma of the tube, after serous, and other variants of müllerian carcinoma are rare; (2) expansion of knowledge about the morphological spectrum of tubal endometrioid carcinoma; (3) modifications of the FIGO staging system; (4) heightened appreciation of the occasional origin of tubal carcinomas from the tubal fimbriae; (5) increased awareness of early carcinoma arising in patients with the BRCA mutation; (6) greater recognition of the propensity for non-tuberculous salpingitis with reactive atypia to mimic carcinoma. Brief consideration then follows of certain other tubal and paratubal neoplasms including those of the broad ligament, emphasising issues in differential diagnosis.