Which histological subtype of epithelial ovarian carcinoma is characteristically associated with antecedent or concurrent endometriosis, and frequently harbours ARID1A mutations?

• A High-grade serous carcinoma
• B Mucinous carcinoma
• C Low-grade serous carcinoma
• D Clear cell carcinoma ✓

Explanation

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma arises in endometriotic cysts in a substantial proportion of cases and is strongly linked to ARID1A mutations, along with PTEN and PIK3CA alterations. High-grade serous carcinoma instead follows a fallopian tube origin with TP53 mutation, and low-grade serous tumours carry KRAS or BRAF mutations. Clear cell carcinoma also carries a higher risk of thromboembolism and hypercalcaemia, and it responds relatively poorly to platinum chemotherapy compared with serous histology.

Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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