Ovarian dysgerminoma: clues to the radiological diagnosis

Ovarian dysgerminoma (OD) is a rare germ cell tumor accounting for 1%-2% of all malignant ovarian tumors and is generally associated with a good prognosis. The condition is more frequent in young women and can arise in dysgenetic gonads that contain gonadoblastomas. While the definitive diagnosis of OD is only possible histologically, certain radiological features can provide facilitating clues. A large, unilateral, solid, lobulated ovarian tumor with markedly enhancing septa should raise the suspicion of OD in young women. Serum lactate dehydrogenase is characteristically elevated in this tumor type and can complement its diagnosis and postoperative follow-up; however, it is a nonspecific marker. Moreover, knowing the mimickers of OD is essential to optimizing the radiological image interpretation and allowing for adequate management and timely treatment. Therefore, in this article, the radiological and clinical-pathologic features of ODs were reviewed to allow radiologists to become familiarized with them and narrow the diagnostic possibilities when facing this type of tumor.

Low-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer: a comprehensive review and update for radiologists

Low-grade serous carcinoma (LGSC) is an infrequent subtype of ovarian cancer, corresponding to 5% of epithelial neoplasms. This subtype of ovarian carcinoma characteristically has molecular features, pathogenesis, clinical behaviour, sensitivity to chemotherapy, and prognosis distinct to high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). Knowing the difference between LGSC and other ovarian serous tumours is vital to guide clinical management, which currently is only possible histologically. However, imaging can provide several clues that allow differentiating LGSC from other tumours and enable precise staging and follow-up of ovarian cancer treatment. Characteristically, LGSC appears as mixed lesions with variable papillary projections and solid components, usually in different proportions from those detected in serous borderline tumour and HGSC. Calcified extracellular bodies, known as psammoma bodies, are also a common feature of LGSC, frequently detectable within lymphadenopathies and metastases associated with this type of tumour. In addition, the characterisation of magnetic resonance imaging enhancement also plays an essential role in calculating the probability of malignancy of these lesions. As such, in this review, we discuss and update the distinct radiological modalities features and the clinicopathologic characteristics of LGSC to allow radiologists to be familiarised with them and to narrow the differential diagnosis when facing this type of tumour.

Arteria Lusoria: An Uncommon Cause of Dysphagia

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