Papillary cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1941

Publication Title

The American Journal of Surgery

ISSN

00029610

Abstract

The subject of papillary cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary has been considered and the more recent English literature reviewed. Thirty case records have been studied, five of these being presented in detail. Papillary cystadenocarcinoma is a malignant tumor which usually metastasizes so early that the condition is far advanced before the patient seeks aid. The average age at which it occurs is approximately fifty years. It is slightly more common in parous than in nulliparous women. Pain and a tumor mass are the predominating symptoms and findings. Over 50 per cent are bilateral when treatment is first undertaken. The growth of the tumor is rapid and metastasis is first to the opposite ovary, then to the uterus, peritoneum and other abdominal organs. Recurrence after removal is common. Malignant cells recovered from the ascitic fluid aid in the diagnosis and also the planning of a proper course of treatment which consists of operative removal followed by roentgenotherapy in the average patient. Surgery should aim to remove all the pelvic generative organs. Radiation should include the entire abdominal cavity. The effect of radiation is not constant in all patients. Following the removal of the primary growth, the secondary growths may disappear of themselves. The prognosis is extremely poor but should not keep the surgeon from doing all possible to alleviate the patient. Many patients go without recurrence for years after adequate treatment. Most of the patients from this Clinic that received roentgenotherapy were far advanced at the time of the first examination. © 1941.

Volume

52

Issue

2

First Page

246

Last Page

259

DOI

10.1016/S0002-9610(41)90515-9

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