# How to differentiate primary mucinous ovarian tumors from ovarian metastases originating from primary appendiceal mucinous neoplasms: a review

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how to tell the difference between ovarian tumors that start in the ovary and those that spread from the appendix, focusing on symptoms, imaging, and pathology.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of diagnostic methods to differentiate primary and metastatic mucinous ovarian tumors.

## Key findings

- Pre-operative symptoms and imaging can suggest the tumor's origin but are not definitive.
- Pathological examination is necessary to confirm the tumor's origin.
- Future research may improve diagnosis through better immunohistochemical markers and molecular features.

## Abstract

The accurate distinction between primary and secondary mucinous ovarian cancers is a crucial tool for effective surgical and systematic treatment. Mucinous ovarian metastases of appendiceal origin are a special group of tumors because they appear even in half of female patients with primary appendiceal mucinous carcinomas and demonstrate pathological similarity to primary ovarian mucinous neoplasms. The current literature review focuses on the differences based on pre-operative symptoms, radiological findings, the spectrum of microscopic features, and the significance of the immunophenotype of each tumor. Treatment options, including surgical management and adjuvant chemotherapy protocols, are also briefly overviewed. In conclusion, the source of the ovarian tumor mass might be suggested by preoperative symptoms, values of antigens, and imaging findings. However, the confirmation of the tumor origin is only made after the postoperative pathological examination. Investigating the most accurate immunohistochemical markers and new molecular features may improve diagnostic efficiency in future research.