Aggressive anaplastic ovarian carcinoma in a young nulliparous patient
Ovarian tumours harbouring foci of anaplastic carcinoma are extremely rare. With just a handful of cases reported in the literature, understanding of the disease and optimal management remains limited. A 38-year-old woman was referred to the gynaeoncologists with a multiloculated complex ovarian mass. High-grade mucinous ovarian carcinoma with mural nodules of anaplastic carcinoma was found on biopsy. Furthermore, an umbilical Sister Mary Joseph nodule signalled advanced metastatic disease. The patient underwent primary debulking surgery and was referred for adjuvant chemotherapy. High-quality radiological and surgical images are included to illustrate the approach taken to preoperative diagnosis and described surgical technique. Our case demonstrates the aggressive and rapidly progressive nature of mucinous ovarian carcinoma bearing anaplastic components. Sharing experience of such cases generates awareness and highlights the need for early detection and thorough investigations to guide subsequent management.
