Korean J Leg Med.  2022 Aug;46(3):90-93. 10.7580/kjlm.2022.46.3.90.

Death from Malignant Transformation of Untreated Mucinous Borderline Tumor: Case Report

• Jang W
• Kang TM
• Kim Y
• Wang AR
• Yoon HR
• Ko KS
• Choi J

• KMID: 2533078
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7580/kjlm.2022.46.3.90

Abstract

Mucinous borderline tumors (MBT) of the ovary with mild to moderately atypical epithelial cells that produce mucin rarely recur and very rarely become malignant after surgery. Due to their low malignant potential and large tumor size, most cases are diagnosed in stage I and have a good prognosis. The authors reported a case of MBT, which had been left untreated after diagnosis, progressed to stage IV, and caused massive pleural effusion (>3,000 mL) resulting in death. Grossly, severe abdominal swelling, a huge multiloculated cystic mass in the left ovary, and a metastatic mucinous mass in the pleura and peritoneum were observed. Histological findings include gastrointestinal type epithelial cells with mucin secretion, degenerative and autolytic nuclei, and occasional infiltration of inflammatory cells. Because sufficient sections cannot be made according to the clinical pathology criteria in forensic autopsy, efficient decisions are required during autopsy for diagnosis.

Keyword

Mucinous borderline tumor; Malignant transformation; Metastasis; Pleural effusion; Autopsy