Carcinosarcoma of the Ovary

Ovarian carcinosarcoma (OCS), also known as malignant mixed mesodermal tumors or malignant mixed müllerian tumors (MMMT) represents one of the rarest and most challenging histologic subtypes of ovarian cancer. This chapter extrapolates the treatment paradigm for patients with OCS from the management experience of epithelial ovarian cancer, anecdotal experience, or small retrospective published series. Several clinical prognostic factors associated with poor outcome have been described in patients with OCS including older age, advanced stage at presentation, and suboptimal surgical resection. Follow-up recommendations for patients with OCS are similar to those outlined for patients with EOC. Patients should be educated to report signs/symptoms of tumor recurrence. These recommendations include comprehensive review of systems and physical exam every 2-4 months for 2 years, every 3-6 months for the following 3 years and then annually.