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Journal of Ovarian Research

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Open Access 01-12-2011 | Case report

Serous papillary adenocarcinoma possibly related to the presence of primitive oocyte-like cells in the adult ovarian surface epithelium: a case report

Authors: Irma Virant-Klun, Thomas Skutella, Branko Cvjeticanin, Martin Stimpfel, Jasna Sinkovec

Published in: Journal of Ovarian Research | Issue 1/2011

Abstract

Introduction

The presence of oocytes in the ovarian surface epithelium has already been confirmed in the fetal ovaries. We report the presence of SSEA-4, SOX-2, VASA and ZP2-positive primitive oocyte-like cells in the adult ovarian surface epithelium of a patient with serous papillary adenocarcinoma.

Case presentation

Ovarian tissue was surgically retrieved from a 67-year old patient. Histological analysis revealed serous papillary adenocarcinoma. A proportion of ovarian cortex sections was deparaffinized and immunohistochemically stained for the expression of markers of pluripotency SSEA-4 and SOX-2 and oocyte-specific markers VASA and ZP2. The analysis confirmed the presence of round, SSEA-4, SOX-2, VASA and ZP2-positive primitive oocyte-like cells in the ovarian surface epithelium. These cells were possibly related to the necrotic malignant tissue.

Conclusion

Primitive oocyte-like cells present in the adult ovarian surface epithelium persisting probably from the fetal period of life or developed from putative stem cells are a pathological condition which is not observed in healthy adult ovaries, and might be related to serous papillary adenocarcinoma manifestation in the adult ovarian surface epithelium. This observation needs attention to be further investigated.

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Title: Serous papillary adenocarcinoma possibly related to the presence of primitive oocyte-like cells in the adult ovarian surface epithelium: a case report
Authors: Irma Virant-Klun
Thomas Skutella
Branko Cvjeticanin
Martin Stimpfel
Jasna Sinkovec
Publication date: 01-12-2011
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Ovarian Research / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1757-2215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-2215-4-13

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Serous papillary adenocarcinoma possibly related to the presence of primitive oocyte-like cells in the adult ovarian surface epithelium: a case report

Abstract

Introduction

Case presentation

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Case presentation

Conclusion

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