Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the ovary associated with endometriosis

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical, therapeutic, and pathologic features of published cases presenting primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the ovary associated with endometriosis. METHODS: A case report, 15 cases of infiltrating SCC of the ovary associated with or arising from endometriosis, and 1 case of synchronous carcinoma in situ in the cervix and ovary from a review of the literature were studied. RESULTS: Young age, advanced stage of the disease, and hypogastric pain were frequent at the time of diagnosis. There was no ascites, but infiltration of neighboring organs was common. The tumor was associated with 80% patient mortality in the first few months. Adjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin or cisplatin appeared to improve the results. CONCLUSION: Primary SCC of the ovary associated with endometriosis is extremely rare and has a poor prognosis. The best therapeutic results are obtained with paclitaxel and carboplatin or cisplatin after radical surgery.