Ovarian carcinogenesis: An alternative hypothesis

Jurgen M.J. Piek, Paul J. Van Diest, René H.M. Verheijen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

33 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Cancer of the ovary is among the most common female genital tract cancers and has the worst prognosis. This is largely caused by the fact that these cancers are detected at late stage of disease, because of absence of early clinical symptoms. Consequently, early events in ovarian carcinogenesis remain remarkably unknown. Therefore, the precursor cell of these tumours remains a matter of debate (1, 2). Three explanations as to the origin of serous ovarian adenocarcinomas have been put forward. The first one points towards the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) as tissue of origin (3). Second, remnants of the embryologic Müllerian duct, the secondary Müllerian system, have been suggested as possible tissue of origin (4). The third is the Fallopian tube inner surface epithelium (TSE) (=oviduct epithelium) (1, 5). In this chapter, the third possible origin is highlighted.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationOvarian Cancer
Subtitle of host publicationState of the Art and Future Directions in Translational Research
PublisherSpringer New York
Pages79-87
Number of pages9
ISBN (Print)9780387689661
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2008

Publication series

NameAdvances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
Volume622
ISSN (Print)0065-2598

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