abstract: Clinical implications of pleural effusions in ovarian cancer.

Clinical implications of pleural effusions in ovarian cancer.:

Respirology. 2012 Mar 28;

Abstract

The pleural cavity constitutes the most frequent extra-abdominal metastatic site in ovarian carcinoma (OC). In patients with OC and pleural effusions, a positive fluid cytology is required for a stage IV diagnosis. Unfortunately, about 30% of malignant pleural effusions exhibit false negative cytological pleural fluid results. In those circumstances, exploratory video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) serves as a diagnostic, staging and even therapeutic modality.

(open access journal) Journal of Ovarian Research - Struma Ovarii associated with Pseudo-Meig's syndrome and high serum level of CA 125; a case report (Iran)

Journal of Ovarian Research -  Struma Ovarii associated with Pseudo-Meig's syndrome and high serum level of CA 125; a case report

Case report

Struma Ovarii associated with Pseudo-Meig's syndrome and high serum level of CA 125; a case report

Journal of Ovarian Research 2012, 5:10 doi:10.1186/1757-2215-5-10
Published: 21 March 2012

Abstract (provisional)

Struma ovarii is a rare form of ovarian neoplasm in a form of mature teratoma and is composed predominantly of thyroid tissue. In the literature review, there has only been 10 cases of this tumor, associated with ascites and pleural effusion (Meig's Syndrome) and increased CA125 so far. In such cases, the tumor mimics malignant ovarian tumor. In this article, the case of a 72-year-old symptomatic woman with a pelvic mass, pleural and peritoneal effusion and high level of serum CA125  (607.4)  is presented. Cytological evaluation for the pleural fluid was performed. She underwent hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The result of pathologic diagnosis is presented in this paper. The patient was well in postoperative period and paraclinical tests including CA 125 were normal as well.

The complete article is available as a provisional PDF. The fully formatted PDF and HTML versions are in production.

abstract: Widespread endometriosis mimicking ovarian malignancy: A case report

Widespread endometriosis mimicking ovarian malignancy: A case report.

Abstract

A 26 year old Nigerian nulliparous woman who presented in the medical emergency unit of a teaching hospital was referred after two weeks of management to the gynecology casualty with a diagnosis of malignant left ovarian cyst, because of the ascites, massive haemorrhagic pleural effusion, a left ovarian mass and an elevated C-125 marker.

However, exploratory laparotomy, cytologic and histological examination of the pleural fluid and biopsied specimens revealed endometriosis. We present a case of intra and extra-pelvic endometriosis which simulated a malignant ovarian lesion and was histologically confirmed by cytology of the haemorrhagic pleural effusion and biopsy of the ovarian mass and peritoneal deposits obtained at laparotomy.

This is to draw the attention of clinicians to endometriosis as a cause of pleural effusion, ascites and groin swelling which can simulate ovarian cancer.

Outcomes of Patients with Gynecologic Malignancies Undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) and Pleurodesis for Malignant Pleural Effusion

Outcomes of Patients with Gynecologic Malignancies Undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) and Pleurodesis for Malignant Pleural Effusion

Background
We evaluated the indications and outcomes of patients with known gynecologic malignancies that underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusion.

Methods
After IRB approval was obtained, a retrospective study of patients with gynecologic malignancies who underwent planned VATS/pleurodesis between 1/2000 and 7/2010 was performed. Abstracted data included demographics, diagnosis, disease status, treatment history, indication for VATS, complications, and outcomes

Results
42 patients (University of Alabama) with a gynecologic malignancy underwent VATS/pleurodesis. Median age was 63 years. 29 patients (69%) had ovarian cancer. 57% had recurrent disease at the time of VATS and 57% were undergoing chemotherapy at the time of VATS. 8 patients (19%) underwent perioperative VATS to improve pulmonary status. 7 patients (17%) underwent a palliative VATS. The median length of stay was 7 days (range 1–53). 62% had gross disease noted at the time of VATS. A mean of 1650 cc of fluid was drained at time of surgery (range 300–4500), and the majority (88%) of patients had a talc pleurodesis performed. 7 patients (17%) were readmitted within 30 days; 6 were for complications unrelated to their VATS............. Patients who underwent a perioperative VATS had the longest survival (845 days).

Conclusion

Patients with gynecologic malignancies may require a VATS/pleurodesis for symptomatic pleural effusions. This procedure appears to be safe and effective in this patient population.

Highlights

► Many patients with gynecologic malignancies will develop pleural effusion
► Few studies exclusively evaluate the role of VATS/pleurodesis in gynecologic oncology patients
► VATS/pleurodesis can safely and effectively ameliorate symptoms of recurrent malignant pleural effusion.

abstract: Pleural Effusion Detected at CT prior to Primary Cytoreduction for Stage III or IV Ovarian Carcinoma: Effect on Survival

Purpose: To determine the prognostic importance of pleural effusions on preoperative computed tomographic (CT) images in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.