Recurrent ovarian cancer presenting with isolated axillary lymph node metastasis: A rare case report.

INTRODUCTION

Ovarian cancer with metastatic axillary lymph node is a very rare entity. This study aims to report a case of recurrent ovarian cancer presenting with isolated axillary lymph node metastasis.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of a 58-year-old patient with recurrent ovarian cancer in the axillary node and a suspected lesion in the ipsilateral breast. One year before recurrence, the patient was diagnosed with FIGO stage IIIC ovarian cancer and was treated with primary debulking and paclitaxel-carboplatin adjuvant chemotherapy. Biopsies of the breast lesion, right and left axillary lymph node yielded a fibroadenoma in the breast and a metastatic carcinoma in the axillary node. Immunohistochemistry stains of the left axillary node biopsy specimen was positive for CK7, P53 and PAX-8 markers, and negative for CK20 and GCDFP-15 markers. Immunohistochemistry results combined with a history of ovarian cancer helped confirm the ovarian origin of axillary lymph node metastasis.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Recurrent ovarian cancer presenting with isolated axillary lymph node metastasis is rare. Immunohistochemistry combined with medical history is essential for definitive diagnosis in this situation. PAX-8 and GCDFP-15 help to differentiate the origin from the breast or the ovary.

CONCLUSION

Oncologists and pathologists should recognize this rare clinical scenario for early diagnosis and treatment. Detailed medical history, imaging, and immunohistochemical studies on biopsy specimen should help reach accurate diagnosis.