Choriocarcinoma arising in a serous carcinoma of ovary: an example of histopathology driving treatment.

BACKGROUND

Choriocarcinoma within an ovarian carcinoma is exceptionally rare. Nevertheless, recognition of this mixed tumour is important for administration of appropriate chemotherapy.

CASE: A 65-year-old woman underwent resection of an ovarian mass after presenting with a pelvic mass and breast tenderness. On pathologic examination the mass showed a choriocarcinoma in association with a serous carcinoma. This pathologic diagnosis led to a specific chemotherapy regimen with cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin, suitable for both types of malignancy.

CONCLUSION

Both gynaecologists and pathologists should be aware that the histopathologic classification of ovarian epithelial carcinoma and its variants, such as this one, may have an increasing role in the management of this disease.