RARE GYNECOLOGIC MALIGNANCIES

Fallopian tumor carcinoma and papillary serous carcinoma of the peritoneum are rare tumors that usually mimic advanced ovarian cancer. The current treatment for these tumors is similar to that for ovarian cancer with approximately an 80% response rate, but only a 20% 5-year survival. Uterine sarcomas are probably the most lethal of the gynecologic malignancies, with frequent recurrence and death despite apparent early diagnosis and aggressive therapy. Gestational trophoblastic tumors, on the other hand, are usually curable, even when widely metastatic disease is present. The clinical features, staging, and current treatment of each of these tumors is reviewed.