Malignant transformation of mature cystic teratoma of the ovary

Squamous cell carcinoma arising from mature cystic teratoma of the ovary: A case report

Mature cystic teratoma of the ovary (MCTO) is a type of common disease in clinic. However, the malignant transformation of MCTO occurred rarely, with many unexplained questions. To the best of our knowledge, owing to the rarity of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in MCTO, even though there are some previous research works concerning about this rare disease, further exploration and discussion is still necessary to reveal unknown aspects. We present a case of pathologically confirmed SCC in MCTO in a 54-year-old female patient, who underwent surgery and subsequent adjuvant chemotherapy. After the treatment, she recovered well and was followed up until now. SCC in MCTO occurred rarely; clinicians should abandon habitual concepts and make targeted management individually.

Prostate Type Malignancies Arising in Ovarian Teratomas - A Report of Two Patients

The identification of benign prostatic tissue within ovarian and testicular mature teratomas is an unusual occurrence. While a few documented reports exist in the literature regarding the emergence of benign prostatic tissue within teratomas, the occurrence of prostatic-type adenocarcinoma in a mature ovarian teratoma is an exceptionally rare phenomenon. To date, only two prior reports have documented such instances, and no tumors have been previously reported with prostate-type tissue with morphologically two different malignancies. We outline our experience with two tumors involving prostatic-type carcinoma, both arising in ovarian mature teratomas. Microscopic examination of the first tumor revealed small areas of infiltrative atypical glandular proliferation within the mature teratoma. In the second tumor, prostate-type tissue exhibited a low-grade basal cell carcinoma. Additionally, adjacent minute foci of adenocarcinoma of the prostate (Gleason score 3 + 4 = 7, <5% pattern 4) were identified. Goblet cell adenocarcinoma of appendiceal type was also evident in the latter tumor. In both tumors, immunostains (NKX3.1, PSA) were performed to establish the prostatic origin of these atypical glands and PIN4 was performed to document the absence of basal cell in the atypical glands. On clinical follow-up, both patients have no signs of recurrence at 14 and 11 months after the surgery. Further reports on such neoplasms would contribute to a better understanding of the prognosis and management of such occurrences.

Female fertility preservation for family planning: a position statement of the Italian Society of Fertility and Sterility and Reproductive Medicine (SIFES-MR)

PURPOSE

This position statement by the Italian Society of Fertility and Sterility and Reproductive Medicine (SIFES-MR) aims to establish an optimal framework for fertility preservation outside the standard before oncological therapies. Key topics include the role of fertility units in comprehensive fertility assessment, factors impacting ovarian potential, available preservation methods, and appropriate criteria for offering such interventions.

METHODS

The SIFES-MR writing group comprises Italian reproductive physicians, embryologists, and scientists. The consensus emerged after a six-month period of meetings, including extensive literature review, dialogue among authors and input from society members. Final approval was granted by the SIFES-MR governing council.

RESULTS

Fertility counselling transitions from urgent to long-term care, emphasizing family planning. Age, along with ovarian reserve markers, is the primary predictor of female fertility. Various factors, including gynecological conditions, autoimmune disorders, and prior gonadotoxic therapies, may impact ovarian reserve. Oocyte cryopreservation should be the preferred method. Women 30-34 years old and 35-39 years old, without known pathologies impacting the ovarian reserve, should cryopreserve at least 12-13 and 15-20 oocytes to achieve the same chance of a spontaneous live birth they would have if they tried to conceive at the age of cryopreservation (63% and 52%, respectively in the two age groups).

CONCLUSIONS

Optimal fertility counselling necessitates a long-term approach, that nurtures an understanding of fertility, facilitates timely evaluation of factors that may affect fertility, and explores fertility preservation choices at opportune intervals.

Choroid Plexus Papilloma Tumor of the Ovary: A Case Report

This is a case report of a 19-year-old nulligravid patient with a choroid plexus papilloma tumor in a mature cystic teratoma in the right adnexal area. The patient, who had abdominal pain and dyspepsia, showed a 9 cm diameter mass with a solid/cystic component, initially interpreted as a dermoid cyst in the right adnexal region. Mature cystic teratoma is a benign germ cell tumor and is common in women during the reproductive period. However, choroid plexus papilloma is a rare brain tumor. The diagnosis of ovarian choroid plexus papilloma can be made with imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, and treatment is usually by surgical removal. Only four cases of ovarian teratoma with choroid plexus papilloma have been informed in the English literature, and this issue is the fifth.

Mucinous intestinal adenocarcinoma arising from mature cystic teratoma of the ovary treated with FOLFOX-6 - a case report

The malignant transformation of mature cystic teratomas during pregnancy is a rare occurrence in medical literature. In this case report, we present a remarkable instance of mucinous intestinal adenocarcinoma arising from a mature ovarian cystic teratoma diagnosed during pregnancy. This is among the few reports detailing the effective use of the FOLFOX 6 chemotherapy regimen for treating this type of intestinal cancer. Furthermore, we emphasize the immunohistochemical results that confirm the colorectal histological origin.

Malignant ovarian and testicular germ cell tumors: Common characteristics but different prognoses

Both ovarian and testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) arise from the primordial germ cell and share many similarities. Both malignancies affect mainly young patients, show remarkable responsiveness to cisplatin-based therapy, and have an excellent prognosis, which also highlights the importance of minimizing long-term side effects. However, certain differences can be noted: The spreading of the disease differs, and the staging system and treatment recommendations are dissimilar. Moreover, the prognosis for ovarian GCTs is significantly inferior to that for testicular cancer, as exemplified in this review comparing the survival in Swedish patients diagnosed with testicular (1995-2022) and ovarian (1990-2018) GCTs. The 5-year overall survival in ovarian GCTs was 85.2%, versus 98.2% for testicular GCTs. How can this be explained? One reason may be the difference in knowledge, experience, and evidence because the incidence rate of testicular cancer is more than 15 times that of ovarian GCTs. Given the rarity of the disease in women and the lack of established guidelines, a comprehensive understanding of the disease and treatment decisions is challenging. The main objective of this review is to derive insights from testicular GCTs (seminoma and non-seminoma) by reviewing etiological, tumor biological, and clinical knowledge, and to thereafter suggest actions for ovarian GCTs based on this. We hypothesize that by adopting specific treatment strategies from testicular GCTs-including de-escalating adjuvant chemotherapy for low-risk patients and implementing more standardized and intensive treatment protocols in cases of relapse-we can improve the prognosis and minimize long-term side effects in ovarian GCT patients.

Subsequent ovarian yolk sac tumor after operation of ovarian mature teratoma: a case report and review of the literature

Ovarian mature teratoma represents a benign ovarian tumor, while ovarian yolk sac tumor (YST, endodermal sinus tumor) is a rare malignant tumor predominantly affecting young women, often associated with a grim prognosis post-metastasis. Both ovarian mature teratoma and ovarian YST are germ cell tumors. There are few studies on the correlation between ovarian YST and mature teratoma. Recurrence or malignant transformation may occur following the surgical intervention for ovarian mature teratoma. However, the occurrence of YST subsequent to such procedures is notably rare. In this investigation, we reported a case involving a 24-year-old unmarried woman with both mature ovarian teratoma and YST within a brief 1-year interval. Regular reexamination protocols facilitated the early-stage detection of YST. The patient underwent surgical treatment, chemotherapy, and measures to preserve ovarian function, resulting in a favorable prognosis. Our primary purpose is to distill clinical insights from the diagnostic and therapeutic journey of this patient. Our purpose is to enhance medical professionals' awareness that YST may be secondary to mature teratoma. Additionally, we underscore the critical importance of routine postoperative surveillance for ovarian mature teratoma, emphasizing its pivotal role in early malignant tumor detection-a factor paramount to the prognosis of patients.

Low-Grade Glioma within Mature Cystic Teratoma in a Patient with Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis: A Case Report

Introduction

Mature cystic teratoma (MCT) is a common type of ovarian tumors that can, in rare cases, undergo malignant transformation. It has been discovered that MCT patients may experience psychiatric symptoms due to the presence of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antibodies, which is the underlying cause of autoimmune encephalitis. Here, we present the first documented case of a patient with anti-NMDAR encephalitis who also had a morphology of low-grade glioma within MCT.

Case Report

A 45-year-old woman presented with seizures, altered consciousness, abnormal NMDAR antibody IgG titers, and abnormal brain MRI findings confirm the diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Physical examination revealed an oval mixed echo mass measuring 54 × 37 mm in the left adnexal area on ultrasound of the uterine appendage. The patient underwent laparoscopic left ovarian and fallopian tube resection. The pathological gross examination revealed a pile of grayish-red cystic and solid fragmented tissue measuring 7 × 6 × 2.2 cm. Histological examination revealed characteristic components of MCT. Furthermore, the solid component of the gross tissue showed proliferative and densely arranged astrocytes with cellular atypia, which were positive for GFAP and Olig-2, negative for IDH1 and EMA. And the Ki67 index was approximately 10%, suggesting the presence of low-grade glioma lesions. The patient was diagnosed with malignant transformation of MCT into a morphology of low-grade glioma, not otherwise specified. After the removal of the ovarian tumor, the patient's psychiatric symptoms improved.

Conclusions

Low-grade glioma within MCT is a rare occurrence, and the presence of this malignant transformation in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis is even more uncommon.

An algorithm for the pre-operative differentiation of benign ovarian tumours based on magnetic resonance imaging interpretation in a regional core hospital: A retrospective study

Objective

For selecting minimally invasive surgery (i.e. laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy) for treating ovarian tumours (OTs) in premenopausal patients, the pre-operative differentiation of benign ovarian tumours (Be-OTs) based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) interpretation is important. This paper describes the authors' 8-year experience of approximately 1000 OT cases, and provides information about a diagnostic algorithm to help other hospitals.

Study design

The medical records of 901 patients aged < 50 years with OTs from 1 January 2015-31 March 31 2023 were reviewed. First, the accuracy of pre-operative differentiation between Be-OTs and borderline/malignant ovarian tumours (Bo/Ma-OTs) was compared in each type of OT. Second, to identify the factors influencing differentiation between Be-OTs and Bo/Ma-OTs in 164 serous/mucinous ovarian tumours (SM-OTs), a multi-variate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the effect of 13 factors, including MRI findings, OT size and tumour markers.

Results

In the comparison of diagnostic accuracy of pre-operative MRI for each OT type, accuracy was found to be notably high for ovarian endometrial cyst (OEC) (n = 409), ovarian mature cystic teratoma (OMCT) (n = 308), ovarian endometrioid adenocarcinoma (OEA) (n = 6) and ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma (OCCA) (n = 14). On the other hand, discrepancies between MRI and pathological findings often occurred in SM-OTs, including ovarian serous cystadenoma (n = 86), ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma (n = 61), ovarian serous adenocarcinoma (n = 12) and ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma (n = 5). In the multi-variate logistic regression analysis of the latter 164 patients, in addition to MRI findings, OT size and carbohydrate antigen 125 also had an effect to some extent. The combination of MRI interpretation and OT size may enhance differentiation of Be-OTs and Bo/Ma-OTs.

Conclusions

Among four types of OTs (OEC, OMCT, OEA and OCCA), MRI interpretation was able to differentiate between Be-OTs and Bo/Ma-OTs almost perfectly. Additionally, to mitigate the difficulty in differentiating SM-OTs, OT size may be useful in combination with MRI findings, although further accumulation and analysis of OT cases is needed.

Mature cystic teratoma of the ovary with a grossly visible, completely developed intestinal loop: A case report and review of the literature

RATIONALE

The mature cystic teratoma of the ovary (MCTO), is composed of mature differentiated elements, thus showing highly differentiated tissue and highly morphological heterogeneity. Although gastrointestinal epithelium can be identified in 7% to 13% of cases of MCTO, the occurrence of visible, functional, and fully developed loop tissue is rare in clinical practice.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 17-year-old female patient presented with persistent abdominal pain.

DIAGNOSIS

The patient was diagnosed with MCTO where a visible, functional intestinal loop was observed during laparoscopic surgery. Microscopy of the intestinal structure indicated a well-organized, intact layer of intestinal wall.

INTERVENTIONS

An emergency single-port laparoscopic excision of the right ovarian cyst and histopathology were performed.

OUTCOMES

After 2 years of follow-up, there were no signs of recurrence in the patient.

LESSONS

The immune signature of CK7-/CK20+ is characteristic of tumors of gastrointestinal origin and can be used to distinguish tumors associated with mature cystic teratoma. Besides, gynecologists should keep an eye on the possibility of malignant transformation malignant transformation of MCTO.

The optimal time for laparoscopic excision of ovarian endometrioma: a prospective randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the optimal time of laparoscopic cystectomy for unilateral ovarian endometrioma patients and evaluate the influence on ovarian reserve.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective randomized controlled study included 88 women with unilateral ovarian endometrioma at a tertiary teaching hospital. All patients received their first identified diagnosis of ovarian endometrioma by ultrasound (> 4 cm and ≤ 10 cm) and were administered an oral contraceptive pill (OC) for one cycle before laparoscopy. They were randomly divided into two groups: laparoscopy at the late luteal phase (group LLP) (n = 44) (termination of OC for two days) and laparoscopy at the early follicular phase (group EFP) (n = 44) (day 3 after menstruation). Basic clinical characteristics were recorded. Serum Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were measured at various times to predict ovarian reserve. Serum levels of Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) were measured at several time sites to predict the ovarian reserve; AMH and leukocyte esterase (LE) levels of the endometrioma wall were measured.

RESULTS

Before surgery, serum AMH levels decreased in both groups from preoperative to one week and six months postoperatively. In contrast, the difference values of group EFP were larger than those of group LLP at postoperative one week and postoperative six months (1.87 ± 0.97 vs. 1.31 ± 0.93, P = 0.07; 1.91 ± 1.06 vs. 1.54 ± 0.93, P = 0.001). The mean rates of postoperative serum AMH decline were 37.92% and 46.34% in group EFP, significantly higher than those in group LLP (25.83% vs. 31.43%, P < 0.001). Ovarian endometrioma wall AMH of group LLP was significantly lower than that of group EFP ([22.86 ± 3.74] vs. [31.02 ± 5.23], P < 0.001). Meanwhile, ovarian endometrioma LE concentration of group LLP was significantly higher than that of group EFP ([482.83 ± 115.88] vs. [371.68 ± 84.49], P<0.001). There was also a significant inverse correlation between leukocyte esterase and AMH concentration in an ovarian endometrioma cyst wall (r=-0.564, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION(S)

The optimal time for laparoscopic cystectomy for patients with first identified unilateral ovarian endometrioma is the late luteal phase, which reduces ovarian tissue loss and preserves ovarian reserve effectively and safely.

Cancer Stem Cells are Actually Stem Cells with Disordered Differentiation: the Monophyletic Origin of Cancer

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an important role in cancer development. Based on advancements in CSC research, we propose a monophyletic model of cancer. This model is based on the idea that CSCs are stem cells with disordered differentiation whose original purpose was to repair damaged tissues. Inflammatory responses and damage repair signals are crucial for the creation and maintenance of CSCs. Normal quiescent stem cells are activated by environmental stimulation, such as an inflammatory response, and undergo cell division and differentiation. In the initial stage of cancer development, stem cell differentiation leads to heteromorphism due to the accumulation of gene mutations, resulting in the development of metaplasia or precancerosis. In the second stage, accumulated mutations induce poor differentiation and lead to cancer development. The monophyletic model illustrates the evolution, biological behavior, and hallmarks of CSCs, proposes a concise understanding of the origin of cancer, and may encourage a novel therapeutic approach.

Mature Cystic Teratoma: An Integrated Review

Ovarian dermoid cysts, also called mature cystic teratomas (MCTs), account for 69% of ovarian germ cell tumors in young women. The tumors are formed by tissues derived from three germ layers, and sebaceous materials are most commonly seen. The origin of MCTs is widely considered to be the germ cell origin, which completes meiosis I. The clinical symptoms vary widely, but 20% of tumors could be asymptomatic. The diagnosis of MCTs is usually made without difficulty by ultrasound and confirmed by histopathology post-operatively. The imaging findings have a high diagnostic value. The typical characteristics present in the sonographic images, including a dermoid plug or Rokitansky nodule, are considered strong evidence for a teratoma. Although the malignant transformation of MCTs is rare, it can occur in some cases, especially in women of advanced age. The treatment of MCTs depends on the risk of malignancy, the age of the patient, and the patient's fertility reserve requirement. In this article, we review the epidemiology, clinical symptoms, diagnosis criteria, cellular origin, and treatment of mature cystic teratomas.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders associated with AQP4-positive-cancer—A case series

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are autoimmune, astrocytopathic diseases affecting the central nervous system(CNS), especially the central optic nerve and spinal cord. Aquaporin 4-immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG) is the dominant pathogenic antibody and can be detected in about 80% of patients with NMOSD. Although only a few cases were reported on NMOSD associated with cancer, they demonstrated the potential paraneoplastic link between cancer and NMOSD. In the present study, we report three NMOSD cases associated with cancer, which are teratoma and lung adenocarcinoma, teratoma, and transverse colon adenocarcinoma, respectively. Pathological staining of tumor sections revealed a high AQP4 expression. After tumor removal, all cases were stable and suffered no further relapses, which revealed the potential paraneoplastic mechanism between cancer and NMOSD. One of our patient's serum AQP4-IgG was transiently slightly elevated even though AQP4 was highly expressed in tumor cells, which indicates that AQP4 is not the main pathogenic antibody but might be induced by other underlying pathogenic antibody–antigen reactions.

High-Grade Endometrioid Stromal Sarcoma of the Ovary: Malignant Transformation of Ovarian Mature Cystic Teratoma

We report an extremely rare case of ovarian high-grade endometrioid stromal sarcoma arising from a mature cystic teratoma with clinicopathologic features, and then we briefly review the pertinent literature. A 62-year-old nulliparous woman presented with lower abdominal pain that had begun 6 months earlier. Magnetic resonance imaging showed two adnexal masses with fat components, which suggested that they were mature cystic teratomas. The eccentric thick rim of the left mass showed irregular invasion of the uterus, which was suggestive of malignancy. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography demonstrated high fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the corresponding area. The patient underwent debulking cytoreductive surgery. The diagnosis was of an International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology stage IIIC high-grade endometrioid stromal sarcoma arising from a mature cystic teratoma. After surgery, the patient received adjuvant chemotherapy with three courses of doxorubicin regimen. The cancer recurred 3 months after surgery, and the patient died of progressive disease. It might be helpful for clinicians to be aware of this rare disease and the poor prognosis when it is at an advanced stage.