Clear cell gynecologic carcinomas: about 5 cases

Abstract

Clear cell carcinoma (CCC) can simulate yolk sac tumor if the location is ovarian. In this case, the morphological distinction between these tumors is often difficult, but immunohistochemistry, the determination of CA125, of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and the response to chemotherapy are particularly useful for solving this differential diagnosis problem. Endometrial and vaginal localization is even rare and appears to be related to distilbene uptake for vaginal localization. Whatever the gynecological location, CCC seems to have a poor prognosis. We report 5 cases of gynecological CCC including 1 case of vaginal carcinoma, 1 case of endometrial carcinoma and 3 cases of ovarian carcinoma. The definitive pathological examination concluded with the CCC diagnosis for all cases. Our purpose is to report these rare cases, their diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic management.