CME: Differential Diagnosis and Clinical Relevance of Ovarian Carcinoma Subtypes: Abstract and Introduction

Blogger's Note: as always, Medscape requires registration (free) to vie; worth reading - as an example (eg. things you may or may not  know): "In addition, CCCs are not associated with BRCA abnormalities.^[32]"

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CME

From Expert Review of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Differential Diagnosis and Clinical Relevance of Ovarian Carcinoma Subtypes CME

Chris M.J. Conklin, MD; C. Blake Gilks, MD, FRCPC

Faculty and Disclosures

CME Released: 12/24/2012; Valid for credit through 12/24/2013

CME Information Earn CME Credit »

1. Abstract and Introduction
2. Serous Carcinomas
3. High-Grade Serous Carcinoma
4. Low-Grade Serous Carcinoma
5. Ovarian MCs
6. Ovarian ECs
7. CCCs of the Ovary
8. Conclusion
9. Expert Commentary
10. Five-Year View
11. Key Issues

• References

Abstract and Introduction

Abstract

The five main subtypes of ovarian surface epithelial carcinoma (high-grade serous, low-grade serous, endometrioid, clear cell and mucinous) are different diseases, with differences in genetic and environmental risk factors, precursor lesions, molecular events during oncogenesis, patterns of spread and response to treatment. With recent advances in surgical pathology, it is possible to reproducibly diagnose these subtypes in routine surgical pathology practice. This review examines these subtypes of ovarian carcinoma, focusing on differential diagnosis, molecular features and current treatment strategies. The increasing understanding of the molecular abnormalities associated with each subtype is leading to exploration and introduction of more subtype-specific treatment of ovarian carcinoma.

Introduction

Ovarian cancer is the seventh most commonly diagnosed female cancer worldwide, accounting for almost 4% of all female cancers.^[1,2] Furthermore, the proportion of ovarian cancer is increasing due to effective Papanicolaou smear screening programs, leading to reduced incidence of cervical cancer.^[3] Ovarian surface epithelial carcinomas are the most common malignant ovarian tumors, accounting for 90% of cases, and are the most lethal gynecological malignancies.^{[4,5]...........}

Incidence of Ovarian Carcinomas by Subtype. Approximately 96% of ovarian carcinomas can be diagnosed as one of these five subtypes (HGSC [71% of cases], MC [3.2%], EC [8.3%], CCC [9.5%], LGSC [4.1%]), which have distinct molecular abnormalities and behaviors. These frequencies are based on data from British Columbia, Canada. CCC: Clear cell carcinoma; EC: Endometrioid carcinoma; HGSC: High-grade serous carcinoma; LGSC: Low-grade serous carcinoma; MC: Mucinous carcinoma. Data taken from [36].