Chondromatous differentiation in clear cell carcinoma of the ovary: a rare finding challenging the differential diagnosis

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2008 Dec;278(6):569-72. doi: 10.1007/s00404-008-0624-5. Epub 2008 Mar 15.

Abstract

Objective: Ovarian surface epithelial tumors rarely have heterologous elements including bone or cartilage that may appear histologically benign or malignant. There are a few case reports in the literature of ovarian tumors containing chondromatous areas.

Case: We report a clear cell carcinoma of the bilateral ovary showing chondromatous differentiation in a 56-year-old woman. Histopathologic study of the specimen showed clear cell carcinoma with many small foci of chondromatous differentiation. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated positivity for S-100 confirming the diagnosis. The patient was alive with disease on chemotherapy for 16 months.

Conclusion: A rare case of benign appearing chondromatous differentiation in an ovarian clear cell carcinoma of the ovary is described, and the significance of this finding is discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell / diagnosis
  • Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell / pathology*
  • Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell / surgery
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology
  • Chondroma / diagnosis
  • Chondroma / pathology*
  • Chondroma / surgery
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Middle Aged
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / surgery