Successful Myomectomy during Cesarean Section: Case Report & Literature Review.

Myomectomy is the most common surgery with cesarean section. There is controversy between obstetricians about doing myomectomy with cesarean section. A 29 years old primigravida patient presented with a large lower segment myoma (20 cm.) who underwent myomectomy during cesarean section at the term pregnancy. Myoma weighted 1500 gr. She didn't have intra-operative hemorrhage or any post-partum complications. Seems that there is no absolute contra-indication for myomectomy during cesarean section specially if the surgeon has enough experience and the myoma is large, located at the lower segments.

The WHO score predicts treatment outcome in low risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia patients treated with weekly intramuscular methotrexate.

BACKGROUND: Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) includes a spectrum of disease ranging from hydatidifrom mole to choriocarcinoma. Low risk GTN is defined as persistent molar pregnancy with a WHO score lower than seven. The optimal chemotherapeutic regimen still remains controversial. AIM: The objectives of this study was to determine efficacy and safety of weekly intramuscular methotrexte in the treatment of low risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.(LRGTN) and also identify prognostic factors associated with treatment failure, necessitating second line chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-six women with LRGTN from 2001 to 2009 were treated with weekly intramuscular methotrexate at 40 mg/m 2 as first line therapy.Monitoring of treatment was done with weekly checking of ßhCG level. Three consecutive negative ßhCG measurements showed complete response. After first negative ßhCG measurement, one additional dose was administered for consolidation. RESULTS: Of 66 patients, who started the treatment five continued their treatment in other medical centres and were excluded from final analysis for treatment evaluation, and seven discontinued first line therapy because of hepatotoxicity. Of the remaining 54, complete remission occurred in 43 (79.6%) and eleven were resistant to first line therapy. Mean WHO score prior to starting chemotherapy was significantly different between two groups of response and resistance according to our data. Change of treatment to second line Actinomycin-D was necessary in eighteen cases because of resistance to first line in eleven and liver enzyme elevation in seven patients. Sixteen of these 18 responded to Actinomycin-D as second line and one needed hysterectomy for complete response. One patient received multiagent chemotherapy for complete remission. CONCLUSION: We recommend this effective and safe method of chemotherapy for women with LRGTN. According to our data, lower mean WHO score predicts a better outcome for this regimen.

Risk factors and clinical aspects of recurrent invasive cervical carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Recurrence of cervical cancer is one of the important and plausible discussions in oncology especially in patients with advanced stages. The purpose of this study was to introduce probability invasive cervical carcinoma recurrence as well as determining characteristics and the prognostic factors of this entity. METHODS: A retrospective study was designed to identify risk factors and pattern of uterine cervical carcinoma recurrence evaluating the outcome of 36 registered patients. Recurrence was defined based on clinical or para-clinical documentation over at least 6 months after complete remission following surgery or radiotherapy. Treatment consisted of a radiosurgical combination and exclusive radiotherapy. RESULTS: Mean age in selected patients is 54.8 ± 12.0 years. The pathological reports of primary diagnosis are squamous cell carcinoma in 94.44 % and adenocarcinoma in remaining patients. Mean duration of recurrence among patients is 2.75 ± 1.5 years after the initial treatment. Metrorrhagia is mostly revealing symptom which patients present in recurrent episode. Usually, the recurrence of cervical cancer is presented in pelvic cavity locally. Marginal involvement is documented in 50 % of cases and lymph node in 33.3 % of patients with recurrent episode being involved. Most important prognostic factors are improper treatment (16.66 % of cases) after initial diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Prognostic factors such as selection of appropriate method for treatment are an important point for reducing the rate of recurrence. Moreover, warning patients about symptoms and frequent episodes of follow up is necessary for early diagnosis of recurrence.

Low grade endometrial stromal sarcoma of uterine: review of 17 cases.

Endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESS) are the second most common uterine sarcomas. Endometrial stromal sarcomas account for 0.25% of all uterine malignancies. Uterine sarcomas most often affect postmenopausal women. The aim of this retrospective study was to review the experience in the treatment and clinical outcome of low grade malignant endometrial stromal sarcoma. Seventeen patients with histologically proven low grade ESS in department of Gynecologic Oncology of the Vali-e-Asr Hospital, Tehran-Iran, between 1999 and 2008 were included in the analysis. Demographics, pathology, treatment, time to recurrence, salvage therapy and survival information was collected. The median age of our patients was 45.35 ± 6.8 (range 36-61). The median parity of the patients was 5 (range 0-8). Most patients were diagnosed at FIGO stage I. The mean survival for patients with stage I and II was 73.5 ± 35.09 and 57.6 ± 5.37 months, respectively, with mortality rate of 5.9% through a median follow-up time of 68.82 ± 30 months. Of 17 patients, seven cases (35.29%) were disease free at 6 years after hysterectomy. Radiotherapy was administered to four patients (23.53%). Only one patient recurred at 10th month after surgery. Surgeries not preserving ovarian function were helpful to decrease the risk of recurrence compared with those sparing ovarian function.

Major surgeries performed for gestational trophoblastic neoplasms in a teaching hospital in Tehran, Iran.

OBJECTIVE: This study aim was to evaluate indications and outcomes of surgical interventions performed in patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasm. METHODS: During January 1995 to December 2005, 110 patients with a diagnosis of persistent gestational trophoblastic neoplasm were treated in our Gynecologic Oncologic Department. Risk score calculation was carried out based on the revised FIGO 2000 scoring system for gestational trophoblastic neoplasm. Data from the patients' records and pathologic reports were analyzed by the chi-square and Fisher's exact tests and logistic regression. The Kaplan-Meier method including the log rank test was used to compare survival and recurrence. RESULTS: Eight patients did not complete their treatment and were excluded from the study. We evaluated treatment responses and outcomes in 102 patients. Seventy-nine patients (77.5%) responded fully to chemotherapy while 23 patients (22.5%) required surgery. Among 23 patients who underwent surgery, 10 cases (43.5%) had bleeding, and 13 cases (56.5%) had drug resistance. Several factors were found to be significantly different between the groups who responded to chemotherapy and those who needed surgery, including age (p=0.001), antecedent non-molar pregnancy (0.028), tumor stage (p=0.009), and pre-treatment risk scores (p=0.008). But, the total courses of chemotherapy (p=0.521), need to salvage chemotherapy (p=0.074), survival rates (p=0.714), and disease free survival rates (p=0.206) were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that age, antecedent non-molar pregnancy, tumor stage and the prognostic score are clinical predictors of need for surgery. But, it dose not seem that surgery have any effect on the total course of chemotherapy, need for salvage chemotherapy, and patient prognosis.

Fertility sparing treatments in young patients with gynecological cancers: Iranian experience and literature review.

With increase in the marriage age some women experience gynecological cancers before giving birth. Thus fertility sparing in these patients is an important point and much work has been done on conservative management. We here report our experience on fertility sparing with cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers and include a review of the literature. With cervical cancer, radical trachelectomy with para-aortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy can be performed in patients with early stage IA1-IB cancers, because they have low recurrence rates. The complications are fewer than with radical hysterectomy. For endometrial cancer, the accepted treatment is total abdominal hysterectomy+bilateral salpango-oopherectomy (TAH+BSO), but in young patients with early stage 1 lesions, we can suggest use of hormonal therapy in place of radical surgery if we evaluate with MRI and the result is early stage disease without the other site involvement and the grade of tumor is well differentiated. GNRH analog, oral medroxyprogestrone acetate (MPA), 100-800 mg/day, megestrol acetate 40-160 mg/day and combination of tamoxifen and a progestin have been applied, but we must remember, they should underwent repeated curettage for investigating medical outcome after 3 months. With normal pathology we follow medical therapy for 3 months and can evaluate for infertility treatment. The best option for patients who treated by medical therapy is TAH+BSO after normal term pregnancy. With ovarian cancer, there is much experience on fertility sparing surgery and in Iran conservative surgical management in young patients with stage I (grade 1,2) of epithelial ovarian tumor and sex cord-stromal tumor and patients with borderline and germ cell ovarian tumors is being successfully performed.

Assessment of gross examination and frozen section of uterine specimen in endometrial cancer patients.

PURPOSE: The accuracy of intra-operative gross visual examination of myometrial invasion of uterine specimen has been evaluated in several studies with controversial results. The intra-operative frozen section (IFS) analysis is used to identify patients at high risk for pelvic and para-aortic nodal metastasis in order to avoid lymphadenectomy in low-risk patients. However, there is still some controversy concerning the efficiency of IFS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and validity of frozen section diagnosis and gross examination of uterine specimen compared to the final histological results in patients with endometrial cancer. METHODS: The study group comprised 31 patients with a pre-operative histopathological diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma. Comprehensive surgical staging was performed in all patients. Intra-operative gross examination of the uterine cavity and wall with frozen section analysis was performed. Lymphadenectomy was performed in all patients. After frozen section analysis, the uterus together with removed lymph nodes was stored and subjected to final pathologic diagnoses. RESULTS: Gross examination accurately identified microscopic invasion of myometrium in 86.6% of the patients with 88.9% sensitivity, 85.7% specificity and negative and positive predictive values of 72.7 and 94.7%, respectively. The kappa was 0.70 (p < 0.0001) with a 95% CI 0.432-0.968. Frozen section in 90% of cases was correctly reporting final histopathological myometrial invasion with sensitivity 88.9%, specificity 90%, positive and negative predictive values 80 and 94.7%, respectively. The kappa was 0.76 (p < 0.0001) with a 95% CI 0.51-1.009. CONCLUSION: These data confirm the previous reports for the accuracy of gross examination and frozen section diagnosis in early stage and low-grade tumors.

Can primary optimal cytoreduction be predicted in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer preoperatively?

INTRODUCTION: Prediction of optimal cytoreduction in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian caner preoperatively. METHODS: Patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent surgery for the first time from Jan. to June 2008 at gynecologic oncology ward of TUMS (Tehran University of Medical Sciences) were eligible for this study. The possibility of predicting primary optimal cytoreduction considering multiple variables was evaluated. Variables were peritoneal carcinomatosis, serum CA125, ascites, pleural effusion, physical status and imaging findings.Univariate comparisons of patients underwent suboptimal cytoreduction carried out using Fisher's exact test for each of the potential predictors. The wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare variables between patients with optimal versus suboptimal cytoreduction. RESULTS: 41 patients met study inclusion criteria. Statistically significant association was noted between peritoneal carcinomatosis and suboptimal cytoreduction. There were no statistically significant differences between physical status, pleural effusion, imaging findings, serum CA125 and ascites of individuals with optimal cytoreduction compared to those with suboptimal cytoreduction. CONCLUSIONS: Because of small populations in our study the results are not reproducible in alternate populations. Only the patient who is most unlikely to undergo optimal cytoreduction should be offered neoadjuvant chemotherapy, unless her medical condition renders her unsuitable for primary surgery.

A favorable maternal and neonatal outcome following chemotherapy with etoposide, bleomycin, and cisplatin for management of grade 3 immature teratoma of the ovary.

Ovarian cancer rarely complicates pregnancy. Usually these malignancies consist of germ cell tumors. Preserving maternal safety along with favorable neonatal outcome is a subject of debate in the management of ovarian cancer during pregnancy. In this report, the authors describe a 25-year-old primigravid woman who was diagnosed to with an ovarian immature teratoma which was diagnosed at 13th weeks of pregnancy during a routine sonography. She underwent oophorectomy at week 21 of her gestation. Then she received three cycles of BEP regimen (bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin) during her pregnancy until week 37 of gestation. At 36 weeks she delivered a male baby with mild glandular hypospadia who was otherwise normal. Management of immature teratoma after the first trimester of pregnancy is similar to non-pregnant patients and is safe for both the mother and the fetus.

Immediate grafting of transected obturator nerve during radical hysterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative injury of obturator nerve has rarely been reported in patients with gynecological malignancies who undergo extensive radical surgeries. Irreversible damage of this nerve causes thigh paresthesia and claudication. Intraoperative repair may be done by end to end anastomosis or grafting when achieving tension-free anastomosis is not possible. CASE HISTORY: A 46-year-old woman with stage IIA cervical cancer underwent radical hysterectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. Left obturator nerve was damaged intraoperatively during pelvic dissection. Immediate microsurgical grafting of the sural nerve was successful and there was no functional deficit in the left thigh for 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: As far as transection and damage of obturator nerve cause thigh claudication, paresthesia and cosmetic problems due to atrophy of related group of muscles, we recommend precise anastomosis of this nerve and grafting whenever achieving a tension-free anastomosis is not possible.

Uterine sarcoma: clinicopathological characteristics, treatment and outcome in Iran.

OBJECTIVE: Uterine sarcomas are rare and heterogeneous tumors with histopathological diversity characterized by rapid clinical progression and a poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical and histopathological characteristics together with treatment and outcome of Iranian patients with uterine sarcomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of 57 patients with histologically verified uterine sarcoma treated at the Vali-e-Asr Hospital were reviewed (1999-2004). RESULTS: The lesions were 19 leomyosarcoma (LMSs), 17 malignant mixed Mullerian tumors (MMMT), 16 endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESSs), 3 unspecified sarcomas, 2 rabdomyosarcomas. Median age at diagnosis was 50 (17-81) years. Clinical stages (based on FIGO) were 30 with stage I disease, 9 with stage II, 12 with stage III and 6 with stage IV. Only one patient did not undergo surgery and most cases with LMS and ESS were treated with simple total hysterectomy (STH). Forty patients (out of 57) received adjuvant radiotherapy. The median follow-up period was 19 (2-96) months and median disease free period was 16 (1-86) months. The overall survival rates after 1, 2, and 5 years were 71%, 58% and 52%, respectively. Survival was related to histological type of ESS (p=0.0018), grade I (p=0.0032) and early stage (p=0.045) significantly, but was not linked to postoperative irradiation. However, local recurrence rate was significantly improved after adjuvant radiotherapy. Twenty-one patients had relapse, 16 in the pelvic and 5 in extrapelvic sites. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings in this series, prognosis is dependent on histopathological subtype, grade and tumor stage. Adjuvant radiotherapy decreases local recurrence rate, but without significant impact on survival.

Nondysgerminomatous ovarian tumors: clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome. A case-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the response of patients with nondysgerminomatous ovarian germ-cell tumors (NDOGCT) to platinum-based chemotherapy and to determine association of prognostic factors to relapse of disease. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 21 patients who had surgical resection of nondysgerminomatous ovarian germ-cell tumors (NDOGCT) and received adjuvant chemotherapy in Vali-e-Asr Hospital, Tehran, Iran during 1997-2004. The median age at presentation was 18 years and the median follow-up was 20 months. Histological type of tumors included the following: immature teratoma (n=7), mixed germ-cell tumor (n=7), yolk sac tumors (n=4), and embryonal carcinoma (n=3). Distribution by stage at the time of surgery was as follows; stage I (n=10), stage III (n=6), and stage IV (n=5). RESULTS: Sixteen patients underwent unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and 5 patients underwent cystectomy. After the initial surgery, 13 patients immediately received chemotherapy and the other 8 patients received chemotherapy at a median time of 5.5 months (range, 1-40 months). Postoperative chemotherapy included the following: bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (n=17); vincristine, actinomycin-D, and cyclophosphamide (n=2); methotrexate, etoposide, and cisplatin (n=l); and cisplatin (n=l). Thirty-one percent of the patients suffered a relapse after platinum-based combination chemotherapy. The median disease-free survival was 40 months and the median overall survival was 50 months. The 5-year survival rate was 39%. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that stage at the initial surgery, residual disease and the interval from initial diagnosis to the start of chemotherapy were possible prognostic factors for relapse. Also, our study indicates that there may be a role for aggressive cytoreductive surgery in advance NDOGCT, and a need for second-line combination chemotherapy.

Radical hysterectomy in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: The considerable increase in life expectancy on one hand and an increase in cervical cancer among Iranian patients on the other, brings out the importance of investigating whether radical surgery can be performed safely and effectively on patients above 60 years of age. METHODS: In a study of historical cohort, all 22 patients 60 years and above who have undergone a Wertheim radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer from 1999 to 2005 were compared with 128 matched cases under 60 years of age who had undergone a Wertheim hysterectomy during the same calendar year. All patients were analyzed for preexisting medical comorbidities, length of postoperative stay, morbidity, and postoperative mortality. RESULTS: There was no operative mortality in either group, morbidity (minor, p = 0.91; major, p = 0.89) were statistically not different in the two groups despite the patient's above 60 years having significantly higher comorbidity prior to surgery than the younger cohort (minor, P < 0.05; major, P < 0.05). The mean postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in the older patients (5 days vs. 3 days, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Wertheim Radical hysterectomy is a safe surgical procedure in the selected population of patients 60 years and over. No differences in operative mortality or morbidity were found when compared to a cohort of patient's aged 60 years or younger.

Major labiaectomy as surgical management of vulvar lymphangioma circumscriptum: three cases and a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Vulvar lymphangioma circumscriptum (LC) is a developmental defect of lymphatics in deep dermal and subcutaneous layers. The entity may be acquired that induced by surgical intervention and radiation therapy for malignancy or congenital. Lymphangiomas of the vulva are rare. Thirteen cases of the congenital and 24 cases of acquired form have been reported in the literature presently. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate major labiaectomy as surgical management of vulval lymphangioma, we report our experiences on surgical treatment of three cases of this rare disease from Gynecologic Oncology Department of Vali-E-Asr Hospital. METHODS: Three female patients, aged 18, 17 and 63 years, presented with persistent edema, papules, and vesicles of the labia major, among which two first cases had congenital LC and another case had developed 9 years after radical hysterectomy, lymph node dissection, and adjuvant radiotherapy of cervical cancer. RESULT: Overall there was a clear improvement in the symptoms and signs associated with these conditions in all patients. In particular, all patients reported an improvement in the amount of edema following surgery. CONCLUSION: In particular, major labiaectomy seems to be more successful than methods such as lymphovenous anastomoses and lymph angioplasties. A single operation may prove beneficial; also, this approach has the potential to allow patients to rehabilitate to normal life and activity.

Results of cervical cone excision biopsy in iran.

AIMS: The prevalence of cervical cancer in a developing country, and diagnostic therapeutic value of knife conization for CIN, indications, cytopathologic results and complications of conization, were evaluated. METHODS: This retrospective- descriptive study concerned 44 cases that underwent conization. RESULTS: The age range of patients was 18-75 (mean=43), and parity ranges were from 0-10 (mean 4-5), ten cases were post-menopausal. The main indication was inability to visualize the entire T zone (19 cases) that was more prevalent in post-menopausal (5 cases and 14 cases premenopausal). The most common pap smear result was HSIL in 16 cases before conization. The most common colposcopic biopsy result was moderate dysplasia in 16 cases. Two cases had invasive cancer on colposcopic- biopsy: one of them had ASCUS in pap smear result and another one HSIL. The most common histologic result after conization was mild dysplasia in 23 cases. Four cases had invasive cancer in histology of the cervix with conization. Active hemorrhage occurred in 2 cases and urinary infection in 1 case after conization. CONCLUSIONS: Pap smear results in screening of cervical cancer are not reliable and colposcopy is more acceptable for LSIL and ASCUS. All gynecologist should develop the skill to perform accurate knife conization, because the classical indications for conization continue to be valid, and it has low risk of complications.

Lower genital tract rhabdomyosarcoma: case series and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) of the lower genital tract is a rare tumor. It tends to occur in childhood in the vagina and in rare cases, RMS can originate in the uterine cervix, with a peak incidence in the 2nd decade. METHODS: A hospital-based tumor registry was searched to find all patients with female genital tract RMS, which were treated between 1999 and 2004. The medical records of all patients were reviewed. A single pathologist reviewed all pathologic specimens. RESULTS: Among the 1,528 patients with genital tract malignancies, six RMS were found: three vaginas, three cervixes. All patients presented with vaginal bleeding. Mean age of patients was 16(13-30). The lesions in vagina were clinically staged as stage I (2), stage II (1) and in cervix were stage I (2) and stage III(1). All of the patients were treated with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. One patient with cervical RMS was treated with adjuvant chemo radiation. Two patients with cervical RMS died from the large size and extent of the disease 9 and 11 months after diagnosis, but all patients with vaginal RMS remain alive after a mean follow-up of 38 months. CONCLUSION: Most patients present with vaginal bleeding and a palpable cervical or vaginal mass. While the optimal management of these tumors is uncertain, primary therapy with wide local excision and chemotherapy can result in prolonged survival and cure in patients with early stage RMS. Vaginal lesions have a better prognosis than cervical lesions. In patients with un-embrional RMS, large size of lesion, cervical origin and extent of disease, survival rates was decreased.

Surgical management of primary vulvar lymphangioma circumscriptum and postradiation: case series and review of literature.

Vulvar lymphangioma circumscriptum is a defect of lymphatics in the reticular dermis. It can occur as either acquired-induced by radical hysterectomy and pelvic radiation for cervical cancer-or congenital. Lymphangiomas of the vulva are rare. Thirteen cases of congenital and 24 cases of the acquired form have been reported in the literature. To describe major labiaectomy as surgical management of primary vulval lymphangioma and postradiation, experiences about surgical treatment of 3 cases of this rare disease are reported. Three female patients (aged 17, 18, and 63 years) had persistent edema, papules, and vesicles of the labia major. Two patients had congenital lymphangioma circumscriptum. Another patient developed it 9 years after radical hysterectomy, lymph node dissection, and adjuvant pelvic radiation of cervical cancer. Qualitative analysis of signs and symptoms that occurred before and after surgery was performed. Clear improvement in symptoms and signs associated with these conditions occurred in all patients postoperatively. In particular, all patients reported reduction in the amount of edema after surgery. Our data suggest major labiaectomy is more successful than methods such as lymphovenous anastomoses, lymph angioplasties, and laser therapy. A single operation may provide benefit for a long period.

Assessment of the response to chemotherapy in gestational trophoblastic neoplasia with vaginal metastases.

BACKGROUND AND GOALS: This study is designed to survey gestational trophoblastic neoplasia with vaginal metastases (GTN + VM) manifestations, prognosis and chemotherapy response in order to consider appropriate chemotherapy regimen for these patients. There have been just a few studies about treatment of GTN + VM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with Stage III GTN with or without vaginal metastases who had referred to Vali-e-Asr Hospital during 1996-2006 have been selected to take part in this study and the size of metastases was measured. Then response and resistance to single and combination chemotherapy regimens have been compared in these two groups. The data were processed using SPSS system (release 10). Statistical analysis was done with Chi(2) to determine factors associated with complete clinical response. The level of significance was assigned at P< .05. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients with stage III (with pulmonary metastases) GTN patients have been selected, 13 with vaginal metastases and 35 without vaginal metastases. Incidence of vaginal metastases in stage III was 26%. Metastases were mainly in distal part of vagina and suburethra. Chief complaint was severe hemorrhage in 25% of patients and was controlled by vaginal packing with just one exception. Group of vaginal metastases showed 66.6% resistance to first-line chemotherapy, compared to 28.6% in patients with no vaginal metastases (P-value=0.010). Median of chemotherapy courses in low-risk vaginal metastatic patients was 5 (mean=5.2), compared to three courses in the group without vaginal metastases. Resistance to single chemotherapy was significantly higher in GTN + VM versus GTN without VM patients and resistance was higher especially in patients with metastases with more than 3 cm (in diameter). CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal metastasis with more than 3 cm in diameter is an important prognostic factor in GTN patients. There have higher risks for severe hemorrhage and resistance to single agent chemotherapy, so in these patients combination chemotherapy, with no regard to staging and scoring, would be a better choice.

Ovarian carcinoma associated with pregnancy: a clinicopathologic analysis of 23 cases and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze and describe cases of ovarian cancer in pregnant women treated at our center and to review the literature concerned, and to discuss the rationale for therapy. METHODS: Twenty-Three patients of ovarian malignancies during pregnancy were treated at Vali- Asr Hospital between 1991 and 2002. Data on treatment and follow-up were evaluated. RESULTS: The incidence of ovarian carcinoma associated with pregnancy in our series was 0.083/1000 deliveries. Eleven (47.8%) were found with ovarian malignant germ cell tumors, five (21.7%) with low malignant potential tumors, four (17.4%) with invasive epithelial tumors, and three (13%) with sex cord stromal tumors. Seventeen (73.9%) of the patients were diagnosed in stage I and had complete remission. Five of the six in advanced stage died. The mean follow-up was 36.3 months. The prognosis was significantly related with stage and histological type (P < 0.05). Sixteen healthy live babies were recorded in this group, and two premature newborn died of respiratory distress syndrome. Chemotherapy was administered to 44% of the patients, in two cases during pregnancy. Overall survival at 5 years was 61%. In most of case conservative surgical treatment could be performed with adequate staging and debulking. CONCLUSION: Early finding of ascitis by ultrasound and persistent large ovarian mass during pregnancy may be related to malignancy and advanced stage. Pregnant women in advanced stage of ovarian cancer seem to have poor prognosis.

Patients with presenting unusual manifestations with gestational trophoblastic neoplasm: case series and review of literatures.

Early recognition of gestational trophoblastic neoplasms (GTN) will maximize the chances of cure with chemotherapy but some patients present with many different symptoms months or even years after the causative pregnancy making diagnosis difficult. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of GTN in any reproductive age woman with bizarre central nervous system symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms or radiographic evidence of metastatic tumor of unknown primary origin. We reported two cases of metastatic gestational trophoblastic neoplasms with bizarre pulmonary symptoms, one patient with small bowel metastasis, and two patients with brain metastasis presenting with unusual manifestations.