Small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type. A case report with immunohistochemical, ultrastructural and cytophotometric analysis and review of the literature.

Abstract

Small cell carcinomas of the ovary, hypercalcemic type, are unilateral tumors occurring almost exclusively in young women. 60% of the cases are associated with hypercalcemia. Microscopic examination shows diffuse clusters of small cells and follicle-like spaces. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells are positive for epithelial and mesenchymal markers, and ultrastructurally they contain an abundance of dilated rough endoplasmatic reticulum and numerous free ribosomes. By DNA-single cell photometry, the neoplastic cells show a diploid DNA-content.