Unusual Pattern of Spread of High-Grade Serous Fallopian Tubal Carcinoma in a Woman with BRCA1 Gene Mutation

Abstract

A 40-year-old woman presented with chronic watery vaginal discharge for one-month and right pelvic pain radiating to the right flank for 2 weeks. Physical and pelvic examination revealed a right pelvic mass. Computerized tomography and magnetic resonance of whole abdomen revealed a 6-cm of heterogeneous mass at the right adnexa and a larger mass of 8-cm with internal cystic portions compressing on the inferior vena cava. Her serum cancer antigen (CA) 125 elevated to 540 U/ml. Surgical intervention revealed a right fallopian tube mass with an intact serosal surface, several enlarged pelvic and para-aortic nodes, and a bulky precaval node. No gross peritoneal nor other organ invasion was found. Complete surgical staging was performed by gynecologic oncologists and a surgeon, resulting in optimal surgery. Pathology revealed high-grade serous carcinoma of the right fallopian tube with metastasis to all resected nodes and a positive peritoneal cytology. Subsequent blood testing showed BReast CAncer (BRCA) 1 gene mutation. Adjuvant therapy with paclitaxel/carboplatin/bevacizumab was given for six cycles. Maintenance therapy with bevacizumab/olaparib, and periodic surveillance for other cancers, including breast magnetic resonance imaging were planned. This case presented an unusual pattern fallopian tubal cancer spread to a large precaval lymph node which was bulkier than the primary tumor. A thorough pre-operative evaluation and a surgical team specialized in cancer surgery are crucial for successful surgical management. Appropriate adjuvant treatment and follow-up for a woman with BRCA mutation were also to be emphasized.