MALIGNANCY ARISING FROM EXTRAOVARIAN ENDO METRIOSIS - OBJECTIVE

Objective: The aim of this survey was to analyse published case report s describing malignancies arising from an extraovarian endometriosis a nd to list their symptoms, localisations and treatment modalities. Mat erial and Methods: Seventy-five case reports from the world literature were reviewed and the main findings summarised. Results: Fifty-eight tumors were carcinomas and 17 were sarcomas. The most common tumor loc alisation was the rectovaginal septum. In 20 patients an exogenous (n = 18) or endogenous (n = 2) oestrogenic stimulation was documented. On e patient received tamoxifen at the time of diagnosis. Conclusions: Ma lignancies arising from extraovarian endometriosis are extremely rare. In patients with a history of a hysterectomy and bilateral oophorecto my vaginal bleeding or a pelvic mass may represent signs of the malign ant transformation of an extraovarian endometriosis. This is especiall y important if the patient's history includes endometriosis. In additi on to surgical tumour reduction, hormone therapy with progestins is re commended.