Serous carcinoma of the peritoneum after oophorectomy.

BACKGROUND

Prophylactic oophorectomy in premenopausal women has been recommended to prevent ovarian cancer. However, serous carcinoma of the peritoneum, which is indistinguishable from ovarian carcinoma, can occur after oophorectomy.

CASES

Two cases are reported of serous carcinoma of the peritoneum after oophorectomy. Presentation, management, and outcome are similar to those for ovarian carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

More data are needed to quantify the risk of carcinoma after oophorectomy. Such knowledge may change the risk-benefit calculations of recommending prophylactic oophorectomy to premenopausal women at a certain age, and must be discussed with the patient who is considering prophylactic oophorectomy with or without other planned surgery.