Mucinous Ovarian Cystadenoma/Carcinoma





KEY FACTS


Terminology





  • Mucinous epithelial neoplasm, which can be benign (mucinous cystadenoma), borderline (low malignant potential), or malignant (mucinous cystadenocarcinoma)



Imaging





  • Multilocular cystic mass with low-level echoes




    • Mucin creates low-level echoes within loculi




      • Echogenicity can be variable depending on concentration of mucin




    • Papillary projections much less common than in serous tumors



    • Solid components increase suspicion for malignancy




  • Variable in size but often large; may fill entire pelvis and extend into upper abdomen



  • Pseudomyxoma peritonei is potential form of peritoneal spread




    • More echogenic than simple ascites



    • Amorphous, mucoid material insinuating itself around mesentery, bowel, and solid organs



    • Has mass effect with scalloping along solid organs (especially liver) and bowel matted posteriorly (rather than free-floating)




Top Differential Diagnoses





  • Endometrioma



  • Serous cystadenoma/carcinoma



Pathology





  • Method of spread




    • Intraperitoneal dissemination most common (pseudomyxoma peritonei)



    • Direct extension to surrounding organs



    • Lymphatic spread to paraaortic and pelvic nodes




Clinical Issues





  • Massive tumors can cause weight gain and distended abdomen



  • CA-125 not useful for mucinous tumors: False-negative in 30%



  • Mucinous tumors 2nd most common epithelial neoplasm



  • Gelatinous, insinuating nature of pseudomyxoma peritonei makes complete resection difficult



Scanning Tips





  • Mucinous tumors are less commonly malignant than serous tumors







Septations within a mucinous tumor are typically thin, creating multiple intervening locules, as seen in this transverse transabdominal ultrasound.

Nov 10, 2024 | Posted by in ULTRASONOGRAPHY | Comments Off on Mucinous Ovarian Cystadenoma/Carcinoma

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