[Amylase-producing ovarian cancer treated with postoperative QF chemotherapy--a case report]

A case of an amylase-producing ovarian cancer in 69-year-old woman has been investigated by light and electron microscopy, as well as by amylase isozyme analysis. Serum and urinary amylase levels were found to be elevated, especially by an amylase isozyme analysis of the tumor homogenate which revealed a salivary type of cancer. The serum amylase level and its isozyme pattern returned to normal following therapy. Pathological examination revealed a serous cystadenocarcinoma. The ultrastructure of this tumor resembled that of other ovarian serous cystadenocarcinomas. No zymogen granules were recognized. Thus, a biochemical analysis of amylase isozyme was found to be a useful tumor marker for diagnosis and treatment of an amylase-producing ovarian serous neoplasm.