Endometrioid Ovarian Adenocarcinoma of ectopic right ovary

I had a "rapidly enlarging" endometrioid ovarian adenocarcinoma ectopic right ovary removed with a small patch of wall of distal ileum (firmly adherent to tumour capsule). Because it was firmly adherent, is this likely to be considered that the tumour was confined to the right ovary (it was not identified in the end so the tumour presumably engulfed it as the gonadal veins were found going to and from the tumour)? Or instead, because it was attached to the wall, however small, that it is no longer considered to be confined?

It is common too for an biopsy report to coming back stating a high grade endometrioid carcinoma but then the histology report after removal to be returned as low grade endometrioid ovarian adenocarcinoma? Considering it was "rapidly enlarging" to quote my surgeon, that doesn't seem to fit with what I understand low grade to mean?

Thanks

  • Hello and thank you for your post.

    I am sorry to hear about the surgery you had and I can appreciate the questions you have.

    I am afraid I am unable to tell you if your cancer was confined to the right ovary.  Your case will have been discussed at the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meeting.  This is where the specialist team involved with your care will have found out about the stage of your cancer, the stage refers to the size of the cancer and where it is in the body.  Hopefully, speaking with your specialist team about this will help you understand more.

    You explained that the grade given after surgery is different than the grade given after biopsy. Far more tissue is looked at after surgery compared to the amount of tissue seen from a biopsy.  So, it is possible that the tissue after surgery contained more information and a change to grading was made. However, I am not sure if this explains your situation so I am afraid you will need to discuss it with your specialist team.

    You may have a cancer nurse specialist who is part of the team that cares for you. You can contact them (you may need to leave a message and they will get back to you) to ask about the stage and grade of your cancer.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Caroline