Serous papillary adenocarcinoma possibly related to the presence of primitive oocyte-like cells in the adult ovarian surface epithelium: a case report
2011

Primitive Oocyte-like Cells in Ovarian Cancer

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Irma Virant-Klun, Thomas Skutella, Branko Cvjeticanin, Martin Stimpfel, Jasna Sinkovec

Primary Institution: University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia

Hypothesis

Are primitive oocyte-like cells in the adult ovarian surface epithelium related to serous papillary adenocarcinoma?

Conclusion

Primitive oocyte-like cells in the adult ovarian surface epithelium may be linked to the development of serous papillary adenocarcinoma.

Supporting Evidence

  • Primitive oocyte-like cells were found in the ovarian surface epithelium of a 67-year-old patient.
  • These cells expressed markers associated with pluripotency.
  • The presence of these cells is not typical in healthy adult ovaries.

Takeaway

This study found unusual cells in the ovaries of an older woman that might be connected to cancer. These cells are not usually found in healthy ovaries.

Methodology

Ovarian tissue was surgically retrieved and analyzed histologically and immunohistochemically for specific cell markers.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case, limiting the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

67-year-old female patient.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1757-2215-4-13

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