Table 2 List of morphological features of primary and metastatic ovarian carcinomas
Favor primary | Favor metastatic | Unhelpful features |
|---|---|---|
smooth capsule | involvement of surface and superficial cortex | gross cysts |
evenly distributed cystic and solid areas (no discrete nodularity) | nodular pattern (gross and/or microscopic) including gross mucinous multinodular appearance | gross solid, papillary, hemorrhagic areas |
areas of MBT and/or mucinous cystadenoma | areas of MBT and/or mucinous cystadenoma less frequent, commonly associated with high grade nuclear atypia | nature of the content of the cysts |
expansile invasion | infiltrative (destructive) invasion | pseudomyxoma ovarii |
complex papillary pattern | bilaterality | cribriform, villous, or solid growth |
size > 10 cm (> 15 cm) | hilar involvement | goblet cells |
associated teratoma or Brenner tumor | single cell invasion | tumor grade |
microscopic cystic glands | signet ring cells | focal areas resembling colonic carcinoma |
vascular invasion | ||
mural nodule | microscopic mucus on the surface | |
unilateral | pseudomyxoma peritonei | |
low stage | intraperitoneal spread | |
low age | colloid morphology | |
established history of cancer |