Xanthogranulomatous oophoritis presenting as a pseudotumor of the ovary: a clinical dilemma

Background: Inflammatory Pseudotumor of ovary is a distinct benign entity characterized by the presence of spindle cells mixed with variable amount of lymphocytes and plasma cells. Female genital tract is an unusual location for xanthogranulomatous inflammation and if present usually involves the endometrium. xanthogranulomatous oophoritis is rare and only a handful of cases have been reported.Methods: At The Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad; a Regional Cancer Centre we came across two cases of Xanthogranulomatous oophoritis, a rare clinical condition. In view of the rarity of the clinical entity, the cases are summarized and discussed.Results: Xanthogranulomatous oophoritis is a rare clinical entity with very few reported cases. Its pathogenesis involves chronic inflammatory process of unknown origin. Pre-operative diagnosis has been challenging due to non-specific presenting symptoms and radiological imaging. Characteristic microscopic picture includes presence of well-differentiated spindle cells with variable amount of collagenous stroma and presence of inflammatory changes. Immunohistochemistry performed at our institute was found to be positive for CD 68, Vimentin and S-100 for xanthogranulomatous oophoritis.Conclusions: Data from radiological imaging for extra genital xanthogranulomatous inflammation is being extrapolated to determine a pre-operative diagnosis for xanthogranulomatous oophoritis of the genital tract. However, no pathognomic radiological findings are defined at present making histopathological diagnosis the mainstay for diagnosis of this condition. Immunohistochemistry panel markers play a helpful role in the diagnosis when in doubt. Surgery is the definitive mode of treatment providing a good prognosis post operatively

Chemo-resistant gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: a review of cases at a tertiary cancer centre

Background: Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) was earlier a dreaded malignancy with high mortality rates. GTN is now considered to be one of the most curable solid tumours in women with cure rates greater than 90% even in the presence of metastases. Despite the high chemo sensitivity, treatment failure or drug resistance has been described in both groups.Methods: In this study, available records of GTN cases over 6 years were reviewed with emphasis on those who were resistant to the first line of chemotherapy. Of these, 37(34.58%) were resistant to the first line of chemotherapy. These cases were studied with respect to age, parity, antecedent pregnancy, interval from antecedent pregnancy, pretreatment β hCG, risk score and presence of metastases. The data was analyzed in order to find any risk factors associated with chemo-resistance.Results: Total number of cases of GTN was 107. Out of these 107 cases, 63 (58.88%) were low risk and 44 (41.12%) were high risk according to FIGO scoring system. Complete response was achieved with first line chemotherapy in 70 (65.42%) patients. The remaining 37 (34.57%) were resistant to first line chemotherapy. In the low risk group, 30 (47.62%) cases, and in the high-risk group, 7(15.91%) were resistant to first line of chemotherapy.Conclusions: Despite the high chemo sensitivity of GTN, resistance to first line chemotherapy may be encountered in up to 40% of cases.  It is important to identify the patients who are at risk to develop resistance, early identification of resistance and change of chemotherapy so as to minimize the exposure of these patients to ineffective chemotherapy

Should the appendix always be removed during surgery for mucinous ovarian tumors?

Background: Appendectomy is performed in all mucinous ovarian tumors (MOT) identified intraoperatively to ensure microscopic metastases from appendix are not missed. Several recent studies suggested that appendectomy should only be performed in cases with a grossly abnormal appendix or with evidence of pseudomyxoma peritonei. Our study aimed to determine the frequency of malignancy in a grossly normal appendix in women undergoing surgery for borderline or malignant MOT.Methods: In a single institution retrospective study, women undergoing surgery for MOT from January 1, 2008 to June 30, 2016 were included. Women with benign MOT, those with a history of either prior appendicectomy or prior gastrointestinal (GI) malignancy were excluded.Results: Of 266 women identified with MOT, 153 with borderline and malignant MOT were included in the study after application of inclusion criteria. The study population comprised of 29 (18.95%) borderline and 124 (81.05%) malignant MOT. Among the borderline MOT, 13/29 had undergone appendectomy. Five (38.46%) had grossly abnormal appendices of whom 1 had mucinous cystadenoma, 3 had borderline mucinous tumor and 1 had mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the appendix. Histology was normal in all 8 (61.54%) grossly normal appendices. Among the malignant MOT, 80/124 (64.52%) underwent appendicectomy. Nineteen (23.46%) had grossly abnormal appendices and histology was suggestive of adenocarcinoma of appendix. Histology was normal in all 62 (76.54%) macroscopically normal appendices.Conclusions: Present results suggest that appendectomy be performed only for those appendices that are grossly abnormal or associated with pseudomyxoma peritonei at surgery for MO

Should the appendix always be removed during surgery for mucinous ovarian tumors?

Background: Appendectomy is performed in all mucinous ovarian tumors (MOT) identified intraoperatively to ensure microscopic metastases from appendix are not missed. Several recent studies suggested that appendectomy should only be performed in cases with a grossly abnormal appendix or with evidence of pseudomyxoma peritonei. Our study aimed to determine the frequency of malignancy in a grossly normal appendix in women undergoing surgery for borderline or malignant MOT.Methods: In a single institution retrospective study, women undergoing surgery for MOT from January 1, 2008 to June 30, 2016 were included. Women with benign MOT, those with a history of either prior appendicectomy or prior gastrointestinal (GI) malignancy were excluded.Results: Of 266 women identified with MOT, 153 with borderline and malignant MOT were included in the study after application of inclusion criteria. The study population comprised of 29 (18.95%) borderline and 124 (81.05%) malignant MOT. Among the borderline MOT, 13/29 had undergone appendectomy. Five (38.46%) had grossly abnormal appendices of whom 1 had mucinous cystadenoma, 3 had borderline mucinous tumor and 1 had mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the appendix. Histology was normal in all 8 (61.54%) grossly normal appendices. Among the malignant MOT, 80/124 (64.52%) underwent appendicectomy. Nineteen (23.46%) had grossly abnormal appendices and histology was suggestive of adenocarcinoma of appendix. Histology was normal in all 62 (76.54%) macroscopically normal appendices.Conclusions: Present results suggest that appendectomy be performed only for those appendices that are grossly abnormal or associated with pseudomyxoma peritonei at surgery for MO