Uterine and ovarian conservation in advanced small cell carcinoma of the ovary.

Abstract

The decision to recommend removal or conservation of a normal ovary and uterus in a young woman with advanced ovarian cancer is difficult and controversial. A 21-year-old patient with a large-cell variant of small-cell carcinoma of the ovary stage IIIc underwent optimal debulking surgery with preservation of the normal appearing uterus and opposite adnexa followed by aggressive multi-agent chemotherapy. She is menstruating normally and is free of disease, more than 2 years since completion of chemotherapy. In selected cases, conservation of the uninvolved ovary and uterus in patients with advanced-stage, small-cell carcinoma of the ovary may not compromise survival.