Clear cell carcinoma of the ovary: a study of 59 cases

Abstract

Clear cell carcinoma of the ovary accounts for 2 to 3% of all epithelial ovarian neoplasms. Patient profiles, pathological characteristics, and results of treatment are reviewed for 59 patients. The median age was 51. Disease extent at diagnosis was as follows: stage I, 18 patients (31%); stage II, 20 patients (34%); stage III, 15 patients (25%); stage IV, 3 patients (5%); and unknown stage, 3 patients (5%). Endometriosis was identified in 13 patients (22%). Hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed in 47 patients (80%), unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in 8 patients (14%), and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in 4 patients (7%). Radiotherapy was given to 15 patients (25%), and chemotherapy was given to 42 patients (71%). The overall 2- and 5-year survival rates were 49 and 43%. The median survival was 26 months. Patients with tumors with fewer than 10 mitoses per 10 high-power fields and less than 50% solid areas had significantly longer disease-free intervals. Clear cell tumors are usually diagnosed at an earlier disease stage than the other epithelial ovarian cancers; stage for stage, however, the prognoses are similar.