Uterine and ovarian conservation in advanced small cell carcinoma of the ovary.
BACKGROUND
The decision to recommend removal or conservation of a normal ovary and uterus in a young woman with advanced ovarian cancer is difficult and controversial.


METHODS
A 21-year-old patient with a large-cell variant of small-cell carcinoma of the ovary stage IIIc underwent optimal debulking surgery with preservation of the normal appearing uterus and opposite adnexa followed by aggressive multi-agent chemotherapy. She is menstruating normally and is free of disease, more than 2 years since completion of chemotherapy.


CONCLUSIONS
In selected cases, conservation of the uninvolved ovary and uterus in patients with advanced-stage, small-cell carcinoma of the ovary may not compromise survival.
Powell
J L
JL
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Coastal Area Health Education Center, New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-9025, USA.
McAfee
R D
RD
McCoy
R C
RC
Shiro
B S
BS
D000328:Adult; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*