Primary Ovarian Cancer and Ovarian Metastases from Breast Cancer: Minireview and Case Report

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common oncological disease. Breast cancer has a specific metastasis pattern – it involves specific non-coding RNAs and spreads through both lymphatic and blood vessels. One of the rarest metastatic sites is the ovaries. There are many similarities between the primary ovarian cancer and the ovarian metastases from breast cancer. We present the case of 57-year-old female with neoplasm ovarian masses. 14 years ago the patient underwent mastectomy and chemotherapy due to breast cancer. A PET-scan detected formations, covering the ovaries as well as ascites. Manual examination confirmed the immobility of the organs and a vaginal ultrasound confirmed the enlarged ovaries and ascites in the Douglas pouch. Basing on the symptoms, there was chance for both primary ovarian cancer and ovarian metastases from breast cancer. Laparoscopic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. The following examinations concluded that the case is metastases form ductal breast cancer in both adnexes. Ovarian metastases are a rare condition. Distinguishing them from the primary ovarian cancer is important for the surgical and the postoperative treatment.