Large cell variant of small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type

We describe an original distinct type of ovarian small cell carcinoma : large cell variant. The distinctive histologic features of tumor cells were the presence of large nuclei with prominent nucleoli and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong diffuse vimentin, smooth muscle actin positivity and slight reactivity with epithelial markers. Electron microscopy showed aggregates of intermediate filaments, intercellular attachments and no dense core granules. This tumor is associated with paraendocrine hypercalcemia in two thirds of cares. Parathyroid hormone-related protein was focally positive. This tumor is characterized as a very lethal neoplasm, occuring primarily in young women.