In the context of the ovary, PTC refers to Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.
Understanding PTC in the Ovary
While Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) is typically a cancer of the thyroid gland in the neck, it can, in rare instances, be found in the ovary. This occurs when cancerous thyroid tissue develops within a specific type of ovarian tumor known as struma ovarii (SO).
What is Struma Ovarii?
Struma ovarii is a specialized type of ovarian tumor called a teratoma. Teratomas are tumors that can contain various types of body tissues, and struma ovarii specifically contains a significant amount of thyroid tissue.
PTC Arising in Struma Ovarii
As noted in the reference, Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) arising in a coexistent struma ovarii (SO) is a rare malignancy. This means that while struma ovarii itself is not exceedingly common, the development of cancer, specifically PTC, within this thyroid tissue in the ovary is an even rarer event.
Symptoms Associated with PTC in Struma Ovarii
When PTC develops within struma ovarii, it can lead to various symptoms, primarily related to the presence of a mass or tumor in the abdominal area. Based on the reference, it manifests with abdominal symptoms such as:
- Palpable mass (a lump that can be felt)
- Pain
- Distension (swelling or bloating)
- Possibly ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdomen)
These symptoms are often non-specific and can be caused by many other conditions, making diagnosis potentially challenging.
Key Takeaways
- PTC in the ovary means Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.
- It arises from thyroid tissue found within a specific ovarian tumor called struma ovarii.
- This occurrence is considered a rare malignancy.
- Symptoms are typically abdominal and may include a mass, pain, distension, and potentially ascites.
