Clinical Characteristics of Metastatic Tumors to the Ovaries

Approximately 5-30% of the ovarian cancers are metastatic malignancies. The prevalence of metastatic ovarian tumors varies with the incidence rates and spread patterns of primary malignancies. We evaluated the prevalence, pre- and postoperative characteristics of metastatic ovarian cancer in Korean women. We reviewed the records for 821 ovarian malignancies with pathological consultation from 1996-2006 and recorded patient demographical, radiological, histopathological, and survival data. The study included 112 cases of histologically confirmed metastatic ovarian cancer. Metastatic ovarian cancer accounted for 13.6% of all ovarian malignancy, primarily arising from the gastrointestinal tract. The preoperative detection rate with imaging was 75%, and none of the radiological or serological features were useful for differential diagnosis. In multivariate analysis for prognostic variables, the only significant factor was the primary tumor site (p=0.004). Furthermore, extensive resection increased survival for some patients. The differential diagnosis of metastatic ovarian cancer can be problematic, so multiple diagnostic approaches are necessary. The extent of cytoreductive surgery for this type of tumor must be decided on a case-by-case basis

Solitary metastatic clear cell carcinoma to the spleen

A 57-year-old with a 9-year history of increased abdominal girth, presented with increased abdominal pain, anemia, and acute renal failure. His past medical history was only remarkable for a previous lung cancer 21 years ago that was treated with a right upper lung lobectomy. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the patient's abdomen showed a solitary 20×20×25cm cystic splenic mass. The patient underwent an urgent splenectomy. Intra-operatively a large splenic cystic cavity was found with a solid inferior splenic mass. An exhaustive histological analysis of the splenic mass confirmed a clear cell carcinoma with low malignant potential that likely represented a metastatic lesion from the patient's previous distant lung cancer. Postoperatively the patient recovered well and at 1-year followup the patient demonstrated no further evidence of metastatic disease. This case is extremely unique and provides a very rare example of a metastatic solitary clear cell carcinoma to the spleen, with a presumed latency period of more than 20 years

Marco de Competencias Básicas de Investigación para Clínicos de Cuidados Paliativos RESPACC

El proyecto financiado por RESPACC ERASMUS+ identificará las competencias de investigación básicas para clínicos de cuidados paliativos. La noción de competencia se refiere a la capacidad de aplicar conocimientos, destrezas y habilidades para realizar con éxito una actividad en el trabajo. Nos enfocamos en mejorar las competencias de investigación básicas en clínicos de equipos multidisciplinarios de cuidados paliativos, tanto a nivel de equipo como individual. Algunas competencias podrían considerarse imprescindibles para realizar una investigación en equipo, pero puede que no sean imprescindibles para todos los miembros del equipo, porque podría ser suficiente que sólo alguien del equipo cuente con dichas competencias para que se lleve a cabo la investigación. OBJETIVO: Identificar un conjunto de competencias de investigación básicas, necesarias para que el equipo paliativo multidisciplinario pueda llevar a cabo un estudio clínico exitoso

Intraparenchymal metastases to the spleen from ovarian cancer: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Splenic tumors are rare and present a diagnostic dilemma. Metastatic carcinoma to the spleen is unusual. Visceral metastases in patients with ovarian cancer represent hematogenous spread of the disease; capsular involvement resulting from serosal and peritoneal seeding is more common. We present a patient with intraparenchymal splenic metastasis from ovarian carcinoma. This case demonstrates a rare etiology of an intraparenchymal solid splenic mass.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>An 85-year-old woman presented with left upper quadrant pain. During her evaluation, a computed tomography scan revealed intraparenchymal splenic masses. An elective splenectomy was performed, during which ovarian cancer, which had not been revealed by the pre-operative computed tomography, was detected. There was no involvement of the splenic capsule by direct extension of the tumor, as is usually the case for ovarian cancer, but only intraparenchymal metastases. This mode of metastasis to the spleen has been described but is quite rare, and ovarian cancer presenting as a splenic mass is even more so.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Splenic metastasis is a relatively rare event. It is often asymptomatic and is usually detected as part of multiorgan metastases. Symptomatic cases, though rare, do occur, and as in our patient, a thorough clinical evaluation is important to help direct the treatment plan. This case is a reminder to be cognizant of one of the less likely differential diagnoses of an intraparenchymal solid splenic mass.</p