Clinicopathological features of ovarian clear cell carcinoma associated with ovarian endometriosis

Abstract

Objective To explore the clinicopathological features and prognosis of patients with ovarian clear cell carcinoma(OCCC) associated with endometriosis(EM). Methods From January 2002 to November 2011, a total of 60 women with OCCC were included in the study and analyzed retrospectively.They were divided into group A (n=7, OCCC associated with malignant transformation ovarian EM), group B (n=15, OCCC associated ovarian EM)and group C (n=38, OCCC only). The study protocol was approved by the Ethical Review Board of Investigation in Human Being of Dalian Maternity Hospital.Informed consent was obtained from each participants.The clinical data were compared among these groups. Results The incidence rate of OCCC associated with ovarian EM was 36.4%(22/60), and 11.7%(7/60) women were diagnosed as OCCC associated with malignant transformation ovarian EM.There were more nulliparity in group A than that of group C, and significant difference was found between them(χ2=23.72, P=0.021). The mean age in group A was significantly younger than that of group C, and there was statistically significant difference (F=24.48, P=0.005). Through ultrasound examination, Group C showed more cystic and solid mixed mass than that of other groups (81.6% vs 42.9% and 53.3%), and there were significant differences among them (χ2=6.88, P=0.032). There was no significant difference among three groups in the incidence rate of serum CA125 0.05). Most of the patients in groups A and B were diagnosed at stage Ⅰ, which was obviously higher than that of group C (100.0% and 80.0% vs 57.9%), and there was statistically significant difference (χ2=6.10, P=0.047). The five-year survival rate among three groups were 50.0%, 71.4%, 36.8%, respectively, no significant difference was observed among them(P>0.05). Conclusions Most of OCCC associated ovarian EM patients were found to be younger, nonporous, and at an early stage, lower serum CA125 level with better prognosis.Young patients with ovarian EM still need to wary of the malignant transformation. Key words: Endometriosis; Ovarian clear cell carcinoma; Malignant transformation