Two types of small cell carcinoma of the ovary: Two typical case reports

Abstract

•This report shows very rare cases of small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type and pulmonary type.•Their chemo sensitivity is quite different. These two cases followed opposite clinical courses.•The first case (SCOHT) progressed rapidly, and showed resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.•The second case (SCOPT) showed sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiotherapy although recurrence was repeated.

Keywords: Hypercalcemic type; Ovary; Pulmonary type; SMARCA4; Small cell carcinoma.

Fig. 1

(A, B): Transverse section of computed tomography. There is mount of ascites (A) and enlarged para-aortic lymph nodes (B). (C): Sagittal section of magnetic resonance imaging. There is a huge mass derived from right ovary.

Fig. 2

Histopathological findings. A: (HE) Follicle like space and sheet like space are seen. These are composed of small cell with scant cytoplasm. B: Tumor cells have activity for SMARCB1. C: This shows complete loss of tumoral SMARCA4 staining.

Fig. 3

A: Transverse section of computed tomography. There is ascites with a solid ovarian tumor like Meigs syndrome. B: PET-CT shows abnormal accumulation of FDG in right pelvis. C: The patient took weekly paclitaxel and biweekly bevacizumab chemotherapy. Vaginal stamp mass is stable even after 12 months.

Fig. 4

Histopathological findings. A-B: (HE) Small round carcinoma cells with scant cytoplasm growth in diffuse or insular patterns. Chromatin aggregation is also seen. C-D: Chromogranin (C) and synaptophygin (D) are positive for immunohistochemical examination.