[Incidence, diagnosis and prognosis of ovarian metastasis in breast cancer]. / Incidence, diagnostic et pronostic des métastases ovariennes du cancer du sein.

ABSTRACT

Ovarian metastasis are frequently encountered during the course of breast cancer, concerning one woman in five among those suffering from the disease. These secondary ovarian lesions are usually small and bilateral with a non-cystic pattern and are more likely to be from primary infiltrating lobular carcinoma of the breast. Distinction between ovarian metastasis and primary ovarian cancer may sometimes be difficult and require immunohistochemical stains with various monoclonal antibodies. Primary ovarian cancer remains preponderant however, even in a woman with breast cancer. From a clinical point of view, ovarian metastasis are frequently unknown except in case of peritoneal dissemination. Trans-vaginal ultrasonography scan is the best examination when clinical signs give cause to suspect ovarian tumour. Although, systematic ultrasonography screening, as well as blood screening program using CA 125 and CA 15-3, should not be recommended because they lack sensibility and are too expensive. The development of ovarian metastasis during the course of a breast primary carcinoma is a negative prognostic factor with regards to the presence or absence of peritoneal dissemination.