Ovarian apocrine carcinoma arising from a mature cystic teratoma: a case report

Background: Mature cystic teratomas of the ovary are common; however, their malignant transformations are rare. Their transformation into apocrine carcinoma has been reported in only a few cases. Herein, we report our experience with this rare cancer. Case: In a 44-year old woman, bilateral ovarian tumor were incidentally discovered during preoperative positron emission tomography for right breast cancer. Laparotomy revealed ovarian tumors and enlarged para-aortic lymph nodes. Therefore, total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, partial omentectomy, and para-aortic lymph node dissection were performed. Pathological examination revealed that the primary left ovarian tumor was a mature cystic teratoma with malignant transformation into apocrine carcinoma. Metastasis was observed in the resected lymph nodes. Subsequently, a mastectomy was performed for right breast cancer, which was determined as invasive ductal carcinoma. Postoperative recovery was favorable. No adjuvant chemotherapy was administered for ovarian cancer; follow-up was continued. Conclusion: This case involved synchronous primary ovarian and breast cancers. It was difficult to determine whether the ovarian cancer was primary or metastatic until the surgery was performed. Ovarian apocrine carcinoma is rare, and no established effective therapy exists, therefore complete surgical excision remains critical for effectively managing this rare cancer.

Apocrine carcinoma; Breast cancer; Malignant transformation; Mature cystic teratoma

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