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Updated: May 6, 2026

Method for Obtaining Primary Ovarian Cancer Cells From Solid Specimens
Published on: February 4, 2014
Primary ovarian solid pseudopapillary neoplasm with CTNNB1 c.94G > T (p.D32Y) mutation: a case report
Mengfei Xu1, Xiao Wang1, Wanrun Lin2
1Department of Pathology, The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China.
Introduction:
Primary solid pseudopapillary neoplasm originating in the ovary (SPN-O) is extremely rare, with only 15 reported cases in the English literature; of these, three harbor CTNNB1 mutations similar to pancreatic SPN. Here, we present a fourth SPN-O case with confirmed CTNNB1 mutation.
Case Presentation:
A 45-year-old woman presented with a 6 cm left ovarian mass. Gross examination revealed a predominantly cystic neoplasm. Microscopy demonstrated solid nests and pseudopapillary structures of uniform tumor cells with eosinophilic, foamy, or vacuolated cytoplasm. Mitotic activity and atypia were minimal. Ki-67 index was very low. Immunohistochemistry showed strong nuclear and cytoplasmic positivity for β-catenin and negativity for E-cadherin. Genetic analysis revealed a c.94G > T (p.D32Y) mutation in exon 3 of CTNNB1. Four years postoperatively, there was no recurrence or metastasis. These findings align with pancreatic SPN, supporting the theory of a shared Wnt/β-catenin oncogenic pathway.
Discussion:
The findings of this case reinforce the morphological, immunohistochemical, and molecular parallels between SPN-O and its pancreatic counterpart (SPN-P). The presence of a pathogenic CTNNB1 c.94G > T (p.D32Y) mutation-previously unreported in SPN-O-further supports the central role of Wnt/β-catenin dysregulation in tumorigenesis across anatomical sites. The absence of recurrence in this case aligns with most documented SPN-O outcomes, though metastatic potential underscores the need for long-term surveillance.
Conclusions:
Primary ovarian SPN is an exceedingly rare tumor showing significant similarity to pancreatic SPN in morphology, immunophenotype, and molecular alterations.
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