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Quantitation of Intra-peritoneal Ovarian Cancer Metastasis
Published on: July 18, 2016
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Ovarian Cancer Metastasis to the Breast: Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation
Zoe O Ferguson-Steele1, Mark R Kilgore2, Diana L Lam3
1School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
Journal of Breast Imaging
|July 28, 2025
Summary
Metastasis of ovarian cancer to the breast is rare and mimics primary breast cancer. Diagnosis requires careful radiologic and pathologic correlation, aided by specific immunohistochemistry markers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Ovarian metastasis to the breast is an infrequent occurrence.
- Its clinical and radiologic features are often nonspecific, closely resembling primary breast malignancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges posed by ovarian metastasis to the breast.
- To outline key imaging findings and immunohistochemical markers useful for differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical, mammographic, and ultrasound findings in cases of ovarian metastasis to the breast.
- Discussion of the utility of immunohistochemistry in distinguishing these metastases from primary breast cancers.
Main Results:
- Common mammographic findings include superficial, circumscribed, high-density masses, sometimes with microcalcifications.
- Ultrasound may reveal hypoechoic or heterogeneous masses with posterior acoustic enhancement.
- Rare presentations can mimic inflammatory breast cancer with diffuse skin thickening.
Conclusions:
- Metastatic ovarian cancer to the breast presents a diagnostic challenge due to nonspecific imaging findings.
- Immunohistochemistry, utilizing markers such as Wilm's tumor, PAX8, CA-125, GATA3, and GCDFP-15, is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- Close radiologic and pathologic correlation is essential for correct diagnosis and patient management.
