Primary ovarian rhabdomyosarcoma associated with clear cell carcinoma of the ovary: a case report and review of the literature

Int J Gynecol Pathol. 2000 Apr;19(2):169-73. doi: 10.1097/00004347-200004000-00012.

Abstract

The clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical findings of a case of coexistent primary ovarian rhabdomyosarcoma and clear cell carcinoma of the ovary are reported. The tumor was detected in a 41-year-old premenopausal woman who had a 1-year history of pelvic pain. On physical examination, a 14.0-cm left adnexal mass was found for which a hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and staging biopsies were performed. The tumor was composed of solid and cystic areas, and two distinct microscopic components were identified: clear cell carcinoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Immunoperoxidase studies demonstrated that the neoplastic cells in the latter component were positive for desmin, muscle-specific actin, and myoglobin. A biopsy taken from the pelvic peritoneum revealed rhabdomyosarcoma (FIGO stage IIB). Despite two cycles of chemotherapy, the disease persisted in the pelvis 4 months after diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Actins / analysis
  • Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell / diagnosis*
  • Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell / surgery
  • Adult
  • Desmin / analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Myoglobin / analysis
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / pathology
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / surgery
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / surgery
  • Pelvic Pain
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma / diagnosis*
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma / pathology
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma / surgery

Substances

  • Actins
  • Desmin
  • Myoglobin