Cytomorphology of ovarian clear cell carcinomas in peritoneal effusions.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and describe the cytomorphology of malignant effusions from ovarian clear cell carcinomas (OCCC). METHODS: Five cases of malignant peritoneal effusions from OCCC histologically confirmed were analysed and compared. RESULTS: Among the malignant peritoneal effusions exhibiting clear cell features, a characteristic feature of OCCC was the presence of large deposits of a hyaline matrix. This matrix may be typically arranged either in 'raspberry bodies' or 'globule-like' structures. Other rare neoplasms composed of clear cells must be considered in the differential diagnosis such as yolk sac tumour of the ovary, clear cell subtype of endometrial carcinoma and, less frequently, malignant peritoneal mesothelioma as well as metastatic renal cell carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Ovarian clear cell carcinomas have distinct morphological features that are helpful in making a cytological diagnosis of this entity. The role of cytological examination in ovarian neoplasms is of paramount importance, as stated by The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) recommendations.