Defining:
Coelomic metaplasia is defined as some of the cells of the peritoneum (also known as the abdominal wall) developing into endometrial cells instead of normal peritoneal cells. Studies of pelvic peritoneal tissue from women undergoing laparotomy suggests that before endometriosis has become established in the peritoneum, there might be a metaplastic change by peritoneal mesothelial cells into endometrial glandular cells. In this article, we will discuss how coelomic metaplasia causes endometriosis.
Defining: Metaplasia:
....When cells are faced with physiological or pathological stresses, they respond by adapting in any of several ways, one of which is metaplasia......
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Article:
"When encountered in the ovary, a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma can pose a challenging differential diagnosis. Although squamous cell carcinoma is a frequent entity encountered in the female genital tract, it is rare in primary form in the ovary and, hence, when identified therein, it is incumbent on the pathologist to explore other potential entities or primary sites. Primary squamous cell carcinoma has been identified in the ovary, however, and as such, demonstrates the vast histologic heterogeneity that may be seen in ovarian lesions. This is a review of the literature pertaining to ovarian squamous lesions, including a number of diagnostic pearls."
"COMMENT
Although squamous elements in the ovary are relatively common, squamous cell carcinoma is distinctly rare, especially in pure form. Debate continues on the pathogenesis of primary squamous cell carcinoma without an associated dermoid. Most authors suggest squamous cell carcinoma in association with endometriosis arises from neoplastic transformation of preexisting endometrial epithelium.7,11 This may be in keeping with the varied metaplasia and neoplasia that may be seen within endometrial glands. Cases of pure primary squamous cell carcinoma of the ovary are an even greater etiologic conundrum; some authors suggest that these lesions may arise because of seeding from occult premalignant or fully malignant squamous lesions located outside the ovary.7,11 These lesions may also serve as examples of the broad potential of coelomic metaplasia."
