Serous psammocarcinoma of the ovary: an unusual finding.
BACKGROUND
Serous psammocarcinoma of the ovary is a rare and infrequently described variant of ovarian cancer, characterized histologically by the pervasive presence of psammoma bodies. The risk of recurrent disease following surgical resection is low.


METHODS
A 70-year-old patient was admitted to the emergency room after falling at home. CT evaluation revealed a pelvic mass and free fluid in the abdomen and pelvis. Her serum CA-125 level was greatly elevated. The patient underwent an abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Histologic examination revealed serous psammocarcinoma of the ovary.


CONCLUSIONS
Psammocarcinoma is a rare form of ovarian cancer associated with a favorable prognosis. However, the rare incidence of this disease and inconsistent biological behavior can confound the diagnosis for the treating physician.
Rettenmaier
Mark A
MA
Gynecologic Oncology Associates, Hoag Memorial Hospital Cancer Center, 351 Hospital Road, Suite 507, Newport Beach, CA 92663, USA. bram@gynoncology.com
Goldstein
Bram H
BH
Epstein
Howard D
HD
Brown
John V
JV
Micha
John P
JP
D000368:Aged; D018284:Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery