Serous carcinoma

Serous carcinoma is a type of epithelial cancer that typically arises from the serous fluid-producing tissues, such as the ovary, fallopian tube, uterus, peritoneum, and lung. It is characterized by the presence of psammoma bodies, which are concentrically laminated, calcified structures seen under the microscope.

Epidemiology

Serous carcinoma is the most common type of ovarian cancer, accounting for about 70% of cases. It is also the most aggressive subtype, with a high rate of recurrence and resistance to chemotherapy. The median age at diagnosis is 63 years.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of serous carcinoma is not fully understood. It is thought to arise from the serous epithelium of the ovary or fallopian tube, which undergoes malignant transformation due to genetic mutations. The most common mutations are in the TP53 gene, which is found in over 90% of cases.

Clinical features

Patients with serous carcinoma often present with nonspecific symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and early satiety. In advanced stages, the disease can cause ascites, pleural effusion, and peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of serous carcinoma is based on histopathological examination of tissue obtained by surgery or biopsy. The tumor cells are typically high-grade and show complex, irregular architecture with numerous psammoma bodies.

Treatment

The treatment of serous carcinoma involves surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, followed by chemotherapy. The most commonly used chemotherapy regimen is a combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin.

Prognosis

The prognosis of serous carcinoma is generally poor, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 50%. Factors that influence prognosis include the stage at diagnosis, the patient's age and general health, and the response to treatment.

Serous carcinoma Resources
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