Prognostic characteristics, recurrence patterns, and survival outcomes of vulval squamous cell carcinoma - A twelve-year retrospective analysis of a tertiary centre.

INTRODUCTION: Vulval cancer is a rare gynaecological malignancy. In this study, we present a tertiary centre case analysis to examine the recurrence patterns and survival outcomes of vulval squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of women who received treatment at Oxford University Hospitals between February 2010 and July 2022 for primary vulval SCC. RESULTS: We included 98 cases. The median age at diagnosis was 68 years. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and lichen sclerosis were observed in 21 and 50 cases, respectively. Surgical excision was the primary treatment. Recurrence within 2 years was more common with advanced stage (p = 0.047, RR = 2.26) and extracapsular lymph node spread (p = 0.013, RR = 2.88). Local recurrence was not associated with a specific cut-off value for tumour-free margin. Poor survival outcomes were observed with higher grade (p = 0.01), advanced FIGO stage (p < 0.001), HPV-independent cancer (p = 0.048), lymph node involvement (p < 0.001, HR = 7.14), extracapsular spread (p < 0.001, HR = 7.93), lymphovascular space invasion (p = 0.002, HR = 3.17), tumour diameter wider than 23 mm (p = 0.029, HR = 2.53) and depth of invasion more than 6 mm (p = 0.006, HR = 3.62). Perineural invasion is associated with shorter disease-free survival. Five-year cancer-specific survival rates for stages I, III, and IV were 90.2%, 40.8%, and 14.3%, respectively.

Adjuvant Radiotherapy for Groin Node Metastases Following Surgery for Vulvar Cancer: A Systematic Review.

Background: Lymph node metastasis in vulvar cancer is a critical prognostic factor associated with higher recurrence and decreased survival. A survival benefit is reported with adjuvant radiotherapy but with potential significant morbidity. We aim to clarify whether there is high-quality evidence to support the use of adjuvant radiotherapy in this setting. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of adjuvant radiotherapy to locoregional metastatic nodal areas. Search Methods: We conducted a comprehensive and systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the National Cancer Institute. We considered only randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Main Results: We identified 1,760 records and finally retrieved only one eligible RCT (114 participants with positive inguinofemoral lymph nodes). All women had undergone radical vulvectomy and bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy and had been randomized to adjuvant radiotherapy or to intraoperative ipsilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy without adjuvant radiotherapy. At 6 years, the overall survival (OS) was 51% versus 41% in favor of radiotherapy (HR 0.61; 95% CI 0.30-1.3) without significance and with very low certainty of evidence. At 6 year, the cumulative incidence of cancer-related deaths was 29% versus 51% in favor of adjuvant radiotherapy (HR 0.49; 95% CI 0.28-0.87). Recurrence-free survival at 6 years was 59% after adjuvant radiotherapy versus 48% after pelvic lymphadenectomy (HR 0.39; 95% CI 0.17-0.88). Three (5.3%) versus 13 (24.1%) groin recurrences were noted, respectively, in the adjuvant radiotherapy and pelvic lymphadenectomy groups. There was no significant difference in acute toxicities for pelvic lymphadenectomy compared to radiotherapy. In women with positive pelvic lymph nodes (20%), the OS at 6 year was 36% compared with 13% in favor of adjuvant radiotherapy. Late cutaneous toxicity rate appeared to be greater after radiotherapy (19% vs. 15%) but with less chronic lymphedema (16% vs. 22%). Conclusion: There is only very low-quality evidence on administering adjuvant radiotherapy for inguinal lymph node metastases. Although the identified study was a multicenter RCT, there was a reasonable imprecision and inconsistency because of small study numbers, wide confidence intervals in the data, and early trial closure, resulting in downgrading of the evidence.

Health-related quality of life after hysterectomy for endometrial cancer: the impact of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) shifting paradigm.

OBJECTIVES: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols provide well-known benefits in the immediate recovery with a shorter length of stay (LOS) also in gynecological surgery. However, the impact of ERAS has not been clearly showed yet regarding long-term consequences and health-related quality of life (HRQL). The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of ERAS on HRQL after hysterectomy for endometrial cancer. DESIGN: Observational retrospective study with propensity score matching (PSM). Participants We administered the SF-36 validated questionnaire to women underwent hysterectomy and lymph nodal staging before and after introducing ERAS protocol, getting, respectively, a standard practice (SP) and ERAS group Settings Academic hospital Methods We collected demographic, clinical, surgical and postoperative data and performed a PSM of the baseline coufouders. We administered the questionnaire four weeks after the surgery. The SF-36 measures HRQL using eight scales: physical functioning (PF), role physical (RLP), bodily pain (BP), general health (GH), vitality (Vt), social functioning (SF), role emotional (RLE) and mental health (MH). Results After PSM, we enrolled a total of 154 patients, 77 in each group (SP and ERA). The two groups were similar in terms of age, BMI, anaesthesiologic risk, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and surgical technique (minimally invasive versus open access). Median LOS was shorter for ERAS group (5 versus 3 days; p = 0.02), while no significant differences were registered in the rates of postoperative complications (16.9% versus 17.4%; p = 0.66). Response rates to SF-36 questionnaire were 89% and 92%, respectively, in SP and ERAS group. At multivariate analyzes, the mean scores of SF-36 questionnaire, registered at 28 days weeks after surgery (range 26-32 days), were significantly higher in ERAS group for PF (73.3 vs 91.6; p < 0.00), RLP (median 58.3 vs 81.2; p = 0.02) and SF (37.5 versus 58.3; p = 0.01) domains, when compared to SP patients. Limitations Further follow-up was not possible due to the anonymized data derived from clinical audit. Conclusions ERAS significantly increases HRQL of women underwent surgery for endometrial cancer. HRQL assessment should be routinary implemented in the ERAS protocol.

The role of the multidisciplinary team in surgical management of intractable tubo-ovarian abscess as a late sequelae of challenging Crohn's disease in the modern era: A case report and review of current literature.

Chronic, severe Crohn's disease in a young female patient can result in surgical complexity. The rarity of the presentation of intractable pelvic abscesses within this etiology with additional considerations given to fertility concerns and hence requirement for input from a multi-disciplinary team makes this a vital case in building a consensus for evidence-based surgical management. A 29-year-old nulliparous woman was referred to our tertiary centre for surgical management of Crohn's disease with known tubo-ovarian abscess and abdominoperineal and abdominal wall sinuses. Her previous surgical history included 4 midline laparotomies, subtotal colectomy and proctectomy with stoma formation. The patient underwent egg collection to preserve fertility. This was followed by midline laparotomy and abdominoperineal resection, which involved a retrograde radical modified hysterectomy using the Hudson technique, alongside excision of the perineal sinus, with reconstruction of the perineal defect using an internal pudendal artery perforator gluteal fold flap, and in addition to excision and drainage of the abdominal wall abscess. Involvement was sought from gynecological oncology, colorectal, urology, plastics, stoma, fertility, microbiology, and gastroenterology teams, which enabled successful preservation of end organ function and improvement in patient psychological well-being. This case is a paradigm of surgical challenge, requiring expert gynecological oncology techniques including a retroperitoneal approach, nerve and vessel sparing considerations alongside colorectal and urological procedures. Moreover, we believe that our blueprint for effective multi-disciplinary practice will inform the future management of gynecological surgery. Therefore this report aims to contribute towards the optimum management of the gynecological sequelae of Crohn's disease.

Emergency hysterectomy following iatrogenic injury to the descending branch of the uterine artery during colposcopy.

Large loop excision of the transformation zone is an extremely common procedure routinely carried out in a gynaecology or colposcopy outpatient setting under local anaesthetic. Here, we present a rare case resulting in emergency hysterectomy. A healthy para 3, who had been diagnosed with microscopic cancer of the cervix, attended colposcopy for repeat excision. The colposcopy revealed a normal cervix, and diathermy loop excision was performed. During the procedure, heavy bleeding from the anterior cutting edge was noted. Despite the best attempts to manage the haemorrhage conservatively in outpatients, the bleeding persisted, and the patient was transferred to theatres. Examination under anaesthesia revealed an injury to the descending branch of the uterine artery, and emergency hysterectomy was performed. Immediate recognition of an extremely rare complication, fast decision-making and a cross-disciplinary approach led to a satisfactory outcome.

The clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes of primary expansile vs. infiltrative mucinous ovarian adenocarcinoma: a retrospective study sharing the experience of a tertiary centre.

Background: Mucinous ovarian carcinomas (MOCs) are rare ovarian tumours accounting for 3% of all epithelial ovarian carcinomas (EOCs). They are either expansile or infiltrative, based on the tumour's histological pattern of invasion. MOCs have a distinct molecular profile, natural history, chemo-sensitivity, and prognosis compared to other EOCs. The aim of this study was to describe patient and tumour characteristics, as well as survival outcomes of expansile and infiltrative primary MOCs. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary cancer centre. Patients had surgery for primary MOC between Jul 1, 2010 and Oct 28, 2022. All patients discussed at the Oxford multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting with a diagnosis of MOC were included. We excluded patients with mucinous metastatic carcinoma (MMC), dual histological diagnoses, those who died before treatment was initiated, and patients with incomplete records. Results: A total of 47 patients were identified and 14 were excluded. Out of the remaining 33 MOCs, 23 (70.6%) were expansile and 10 (30.4%) were infiltrative. The median follow-up was 37 months (95% CI: 14.1-69.8). Patients with infiltrative tumours were older than those with expansile tumours (median age 62 vs. 55 years, P=0.049). Infiltrative tumours were diagnosed at a more advanced International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage compared to expansile tumours: FIGO stage II/III 50% vs. 8.2% (P=0.002). We found paired-box gene 8 (PAX8) more frequently expressed in expansile tumours (75% vs. 37.5%, P=0.099). Adjuvant treatment was administered in 50% of patients with infiltrative disease, compared to only 13% of those with expansile disease (P=0.036). 80% of patients who have relapsed had received adjuvant chemotherapy, compared to 17.2% of patients without relapse (P=0.012). At 3 years, there was a statistically significant difference in progression-free survival (PFS) (94.7% vs. 65.6%, P=0.02) between the expansile and infiltrative groups, but no difference in overall survival (OS) (88.8% vs. 90%, P=0.875). Conclusions: Patients with infiltrative tumours were older, more likely to have bilateral tumours and more likely to have an advanced FIGO stage at diagnosis. Adjuvant treatment was more likely to be administered to patients with infiltrative tumours, however, this did not prevent relapse. PFS at 3 years was significantly higher in patients with expansile tumours. PAX8 was more frequently expressed by expansile tumours.

Single-cell transcriptomics identifies a WNT7A-FZD5 signaling axis that maintains fallopian tube stem cells in patient-derived organoids.

The study of fallopian tube (FT) function in health and disease has been hampered by limited knowledge of FT stem cells and lack of in vitro models of stem cell renewal and differentiation. Using optimized organoid culture conditions to address these limitations, we find that FT stem cell renewal is highly dependent on WNT/ß-catenin signaling and engineer endogenous WNT/ß-catenin signaling reporter organoids to biomark, isolate, and characterize these cells. Using functional approaches, as well as bulk and single-cell transcriptomics analyses, we show that an endogenous hormonally regulated WNT7A-FZD5 signaling axis is critical for stem cell renewal and that WNT/ß-catenin pathway-activated cells form a distinct transcriptomic cluster of FT cells enriched in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and integrin signaling pathways. Overall, we provide a deep characterization of FT stem cells and their molecular requirements for self-renewal, paving the way for mechanistic work investigating the role of stem cells in FT health and disease.

Mixed Endometrial Epithelial Carcinoma: Epidemiology, Treatment and Survival Rates-A 10-Year Retrospective Cohort Study from a Single Institution.

Mixed endometrial carcinoma (MEEC) refers to rare endometrial tumours that are composed of two or more distinct histotypes, at least one of which is serous or clear cell. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology, treatment outcomes and survival rates of patients with mixed endometrial carcinoma. The medical records of 34 patients diagnosed with MEEC between March 2010 and January 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. Clinicopathological variables and treatment strategies were assessed, and overall survival and disease-free survival rates were evaluated. The histology of endometrioid and serous component was found in 26 (76.5%) patients, followed by serous and clear-cell components (5/34, 14.5%) and mixed endometrioid serous and clear-cell components (3/34, 8.8%). The median age at diagnosis was 70 years (range 52-84), and the median follow-up time was 55 months. The 5-year disease-free survival and the 5-year overall survival were 50.4% and 52.4%, respectively. Advanced disease stage was identified as an independent predictor of inferior disease-free (<0.003) and overall survival (p < 0.001). Except for stage, none of the traditional prognostic factors was associated with disease recurrence or death from disease. MEECs represent rare high-risk endometrial carcinomas with significant diagnostic and treatment challenges. Undoubtedly, the implementation of a molecular analysis can offer further diagnostic and management insights.

The role of multidisciplinary team and stepwise pelvic devascularization to minimize blood loss during total pelvic exenteration for patients refusing blood transfusion.

Key Clinical Message: Radical gynecology oncology surgeries are feasible in patients refusing blood transfusion, when performed with careful preoperative (with hemoglobin optimization and patients' counseling), intraoperative (with hemostasis and stepwise devascularization, hemodilution, and autologous cell salvage) and postoperative (considering iron infusion or erythropoietin) planning with a multidisciplinary team involvement. Abstract: We describe the case of a female Jehovah's Witness patient in her 60s undergoing pelvic exenteration, focusing on the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative measures that allowed an uncomplicated surgery without blood transfusion. Blood transfusions are common in the surgical management of gynecology oncology patients, up to 93% of patients undergoing pelvic exenteration may require blood products. However, increasingly more patients are cautious in receiving blood products, either for fear of potential risks or for religious believes. It is therefore vital to optimize the management of these patients in order to avoid blood transfusions. In this case, we summarize the management of a lady in her 60s who underwent laparotomy, pelvic exenteration, Bricker colicureterostomy, and end colostomy formation for recurrent endometrial carcinoma, despite previous total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy followed by brachytherapy, chemotherapy, and external beam radiotherapy for high-grade serous carcinoma. Preoperatively, an advance decision to refuse blood products was discussed to ascertain all the options that were suitable. As her preoperative hemoglobin was acceptable (127 g/L), no further intervention was required. Intraoperatively, blood loss was effectively minimized with meticulous hemostasis, stepwise pelvic devascularization, intraoperative hemodilution, and cell salvage. Despite these interventions, total blood loss was 1030 mL and postoperative hemoglobin was 113 g/L. Postoperative measures therefore included intravenous iron infusion, minimization of phlebotomy, and optimization of cardiopulmonary status. Erythropoietin was also considered, but was not necessary as patient responded to the previous measures well and was successfully discharged after an uncomplicated recovery. Only few cases of total pelvic exenteration have been described in the literature for Jehovah's Witness patients. However, our case shows that laparotomy and pelvic exenteration is feasible in patients refusing blood products, if performed under a multidisciplinary team and with careful preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative planning, also in the setting of previous radical hysterectomy and co-adjuvant therapy.

Diagnosis, Treatment and Prognosis of Mesonephric Adenocarcinoma of the Vagina: A Literature Review and a Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Mesonephric adenocarcinoma (MA) of the vagina is a rare tumor that arises from mesonephric remnants (Wolffian) in the female genital tract. It is a neoplasm with no significant evidence about its diagnosis, treatment, follow-up and prognosis. METHODS: Systematic research of the literature was conducted in Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect and the Cochrane Library, including observational prospective and retrospective studies, case series and case reports. We collected data regarding studies related to diagnosis and treatment options evaluating the following aspects: study design, population, treatment type, rate of surgical complications and fertility outcome. We further included a case report of laparoscopic management of MA with pictorial assays. RESULTS: Thirteen cases of MA of the vagina are available in the literature, including our case report. The median age at diagnosis was 52 years old; the majority of patients reported vaginal bleeding as a symptom (38%); and ultrasound, followed by a magnetic resonance and CT scan were the diagnostic tools most used. In 54% of the cases, a surgical biopsy was performed, and 92% of the patients underwent upfront surgery with an open access or vaginal resection except one case fully managed by minimally invasive surgery. Most of the patients (68%) received adjuvant treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy or a combination of them. The mean follow-up period was 6 years. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the rarity of this cancer and bizarre location, a minimally invasive approach seems feasible after multidisciplinary evaluation. According to the rarity of this tumor, any future case and follow-up data must be reported in the literature in order to enlarge the knowledge about it.

Adamantinoma: A review of the current literature.

Adamantinoma is a rare primary low-grade malignant tumour of the appendicular skeleton most commonly found in the tibia. It has an indolent course, with local recurrences and lung metastases occurring over a protracted duration. There have been several suggestions pertaining to a vascular origin in the literature, however, histogenesis remains unclear. Currently, guidelines are not available pertaining to clinical management. This paper presents an overview of the current literature regarding this unusual malignancy. It also explores disease etiology and acknowledges the benefits and challenges of investigations pertaining to diagnosis. It recognizes a paucity of recommendations regarding appropriate surveillance and follow up. This review aims to assist clinicians in the building of a consensus opinion for optimal adamantinoma case management under current circumstances where formal guidelines do not exist.

Laterally extended endopelvic resection as part of the surgical management of disseminated retroperitoneal leiomyomatosis mimicking low-grade sarcoma in a patient with a solitary kidney.

Leiomyomas are common benign uterine smooth muscle tumours. Rarer subsets may demonstrate aggressive extrauterine growth which mimic metastatic disease. We discuss the case of a female patient in her 40s, with a long-standing atrophic right kidney, presenting with a 17 cm uterine mass demonstrating bilateral para-aortic and pelvic sidewall spread. Although biopsies favoured the diagnosis of a benign tumour, a leiomyosarcoma could not be excluded. The surgical complexity of the case was compounded by a tumour residing close to the only functioning kidney and engulfment of the inferior mesenteric artery. The surgical procedures indicated were a radical hysterectomy, the laterally extended endopelvic resection procedure to achieve clear margins in the pelvic sidewall and a left hemicolectomy. In the absence of formal guidelines, we present this challenging case to provide clarity into the histological assessment and surgical management of rare leiomyomas, as well as an overview of the current literature.

The Prognostic Characteristics and Recurrence Patterns of High Grade Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer: A Large Retrospective Analysis of a Tertiary Center.

High grade endometrioid endometrial cancer (HGEEC) is a heterogeneous group of tumors with unclear prognostic features. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the independent risk factors for recurrence and mortality and to describe the recurrence patterns of HGEEC. Ninety-six consecutive cases of HGEEC treated with primary surgery in a single Tertiary Center were retrospectively reviewed. Clinicopathological and treatment details were recorded, and all patients were closely followed up. Disease-free, overall and cancer-specific survival rates were 83.8%, 77.8% and 83.6%, respectively. Cervical stromal involvement was independently related to recurrence (HR = 25.67; 95%CI 2.95-223.30; p = 0.003) and cancer-related death (HR = 15.39; 95%CI 1.29-183.43; p = 0.031) after adjusting for other pathological and treatment variables. Recurrence rate was 16%, with 60% of these cases having lung metastases and only one case with single vaginal vault recurrence. 81.81% of the recurrences presented with symptoms and not a single recurrence was diagnosed in routine follow-up clinical examination. In conclusion, the recurrence pattern may suggest that patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU) could be considered a potential alternative to clinical-based follow-up for HGEEC survivors, especially for patients without cervical involvement and after two years from treatment. Additional caution is needed in patients with cervical stromal involvement.

Should laparoscopy be revisited in the management of stage II endometrial cancer in the post-LACC era?

BACKGROUND: A recent randomized trial showed that laparoscopy had poorer outcomes compared with open surgery for early-stage cervical cancer. Whether this is of concern in endometrial cancer, when the cervix is involved has received little attention. This study aimed to investigate whether there is any difference on overall and cancer specific survival between patients treated with laparoscopy and laparotomy for stage II endometrial cancer. METHODS: Data from patients with histologically proven stage II endometrial cancer who were treated between 2010 and 2019 in a single cancer center were reviewed. Demographic, histopathological characteristics and treatment modalities were recorded. Recurrence rate, cancer specific and overall survival were compared between patients that were treated with laparoscopic and open surgery. RESULTS: From 47 patients with stage II disease, 33 (70%) were treated with laparoscopy and 14 (30%) with open surgery. There was no difference on age (P=0.86), BMI (P=0.76), Comorbidity Index Score (P=0.96), upstaging/upgrading after surgery (P=0.41), performance of lymphadenectomy (P=0.74), histological type (P=0.32), LVSI (P=0.15), depth of myometrial invasion (P=0.07), postoperative hospital stay (P=0.18) and administration of adjuvant treatment (P=0.11) between the two groups. Recurrence rate (P=0.756), overall (P=0.606) and cancer specific survival (P=0.564) were also comparable between laparoscopy and laparotomy groups. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic and open surgery seem to have comparable outcomes for stage II endometrial cancer. The oncological safety of laparoscopy for stage II endometrial cancer should be further investigated with a randomized controlled trial.

Challenges in management of Bartholin gland leiomyoma: A case report.

Leiomyomas are uncommon vulvar neoplasms often misdiagnosed as other Bartholin gland pathology. This case report describes a case of accelerating growth of a vulvar mass, initially diagnosed as Bartholin cyst. Surgical excision led to a histopathologic diagnosis of vulvar leiomyoma. The postoperative recovery was complicated by secondary hematoma and dehiscence of the surgical site. There was no recurrence at 2 years follow-up.

Bartholin's gland carcinoma-the diagnostic and management challenges of a rare malignancy-a case report and review of current literature.

Background: Bartholin's gland carcinoma (BGC) accounts for approximately 5% of all vulval malignancies-making it an extremely rare malignancy of the female genital tract. It commonly manifests as a painless unilateral mass, near the introitus. BGC more commonly occurs in post-menopausal women. Unfortunately, over half of cases are associated with a missed or delayed diagnosis as it is often mistaken for a Bartholin's gland cyst or abscess. These tumours have a predilection for local and perineural invasion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice for suspected Bartholin's tumour. Although no current guidance dedicated to the management of BGC exists, the majority of cases are treated by primary excision and bilateral groin node dissection (GND). Chemoradiotherapy has a role in both the adjuvant and palliative setting. BGC are typically associated with more advanced disease at presentation, higher rates of recurrence and poorer prognosis than other vulval cancer sub-types. Case Description: We share a case report of primary BGC-supported by high-quality radiological and surgical images; and further supplemented by a detailed review of current literature. Conclusions: We aim to generate improved clinician awareness of this rare pathology, highlighting the need for vigilance to avoid misdiagnosis and subsequent treatment delay; as well as contribute towards generating consensus on the approach to management of this gynaecological malignancy.

Approach to Radical Hysterectomy for Cervical Cancer in Pregnancy: Surgical Pathway and Ethical Considerations.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer is currently the fourth most common cancer in women and in the poorest countries this neoplasia still represents a widespread and potentially lethal disease. We present a rare case of cervical cancer in pregnancy, analyzing the historical changes behind the procedure of radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer and discussing variations in surgical techniques and anatomical definitions that have since been proposed. RESULTS: We present the case of a 33-year-old patient who attended with vaginal bleeding in the second trimester of pregnancy. Examination revealed an abnormal looking cervix, with investigations concluding stage IIb squamous cell carcinoma. Following extensive discussion regarding management options, the patient went on to have a peripartum foetocidal type III nerve sparing radical Wertheim hysterectomy at 18 weeks gestation with conservation and transposition of the ovaries above the level of the pelvic brim. The patient recovered well without significant morbidity and received further input from fertility and psychological medical teams in addition to adjuvant treatment within the department of clinical oncology. DISCUSSION: This case represents several elements of great interest and learning. Notably, we highlight this both due to the surgical challenges that a gravid uterus presents in the execution of a radical hysterectomy; and regarding the compassionate care demonstrated by the team - not only in supporting the patient and her partner in a period of profound turmoil in terms of the management of their cancer diagnosis and unborn child, but also regarding the uncertainty in consideration of the oncological and fertility related outcomes. CONCLUSION: This manuscript adds to the growing literature on the appropriate use of radical surgery for cervical cancer, more specifically during pregnancy and in consideration of such ethical dilemma, where management guidelines do not exist to aid clinicians further in their provision of treatment.

Thoracic Gorham-Stout disease masquerading as an ovarian malignancy: a differential diagnosis in non-malignant causes of raised Ca-125 and overview of this rare pathology.

Gorham-Stout disease (GSD) is thought to be due to uncontrolled proliferation of vascular and lymphatic structures within bone tissue causing destruction and osteolysis of bone. We present a patient in her mid-40s who reported chronic shoulder pain, a pleural effusion and irregular periods. Investigations showed osteolysis of her ribs, pleural effusions, an ovarian mass and a raised carbohydrate antigen 125 (Ca-125). She was subsequently diagnosed with GSD, and referred to gynaecology-oncology in consideration of potential ovarian malignancy. GSD is a diagnosis of exclusion that requires a high degree of clinical suspicion, as well as multiple investigations to achieve diagnosis. Clinicians rely on a small number of case reports to provide guidance for this. Therefore, this report provides an overview of a rare pathology, considers the differentials of a raised Ca-125 and describes how a pleural effusion, which links them both, alarmed us regarding an incidental finding of an ovarian cyst.

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumour and investigation of genetic susceptibility.

A patient in her 60s was referred to be investigated for an incidental large uterus with a history of renal cell carcinoma and melanoma. Uterine biopsy revealed features of perivascular epithelioid cell tumours (PEComas) and she underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Final histology confirmed PEComa with malignant features. Genomic studies did not reveal any deleterious germline variants; however, in view of her history, she is now under a 6-month follow-up with gynaecology-oncology. PEComas are rare tumours associated with tuberous sclerosis and melanoma, sharing genetic abnormalities. Gynaecological PEComas usually present with no or non-specific symptoms. Preoperative investigations are often misleading. Final histology and immunohistochemistry have overlapping features with smooth muscle tumours. Although rare, PEComas need to be treated aggressively to minimise the potential risk of spread. There is currently little evidence about further adjuvant treatment and no clear follow-up protocol. However, the literature suggests that the prognosis is generally good.