Primary peritoneal serous papillary carcinoma (PSPC) involving ovary and colon: management and treatment

We present a case report of a 47-year-old woman who was admitted to our University-Hospital following diagnosis of pelvic mass. Abdominal examination revealed a tender, palpable mass on the right iliac region. At the gynecological examination uterus was regular in size. On the left side of the uterus a mass of 9 cm was observed; its surface was irregular and no mobility was found. Abdominal CT and NMR revealed massive ascites, omental cake and increased volume of both ovaries. Patient underwent longitudinal suprombelical-pubic laparotomy. After opening abdominal cavity, a free-fluid sample was taken and the results were positive for malignant cells. Typical neoplastic localizations on both ovaries, Douglas’ peritoneum, rectum, sigmoid colon and omentum were observed. Extemporaneous histological examination diagnosed a peritoneal serous papillary carcinoma. Hysterectomy with salpingo oophorectomy, total omentectomy, appendectomy, pelvic and lumbo-aortic lymphadenectomy was performed. Retroperitoneal approach to remove the whole Douglas’ peritoneum together with the pouch malignant localizations was done. Sigmoid colon and rectum were resected. A latero-terminal anastomosis with stapler was performed. All the visible abdominal maligant lesions were cut out. No transfusion was necessary. The postoperative course was regular and after seven days the patient was discharged. Chemotherapy ended the therapeutic management (six cycles of carboplatin with paclitaxel)|. After one year the patient is in good health and instrumental investigations (Ultrasounds, TC and NMR) are negative for recurrence. Such a case is very interesting for the discrepancy between slight symptoms