clear cell versus epithelial cancer

[yzf600]

I'm going through the consultations (as I've mentioned on here before) of my risks due to family history of OVCA (my sister had clear cell).  The GYNs and ONCs keep talking about clear cell and epithelial (sp?) cancers as 2 completely different things... and clear cell is harder to find?  I'm not sure I really follow it all and just am asking for any help.  In my trying to decide on myoectomy versus hysterectomy, I've been consulting with Drs.  Some say get the hyst., some say not necesary just a slight risk for OVCA.  My sister was tested for BRC? and it was negative.  Now, i understand that BRC doesn't predict clear cell only epithelial?  I know you all know what all this means... I've appreciated so much your advice on this forum.  Thanks in advance for any more.  God Bless.

[silver&gold]

Hi,

Clear cell OVCA is quite rare (approx 5% ) . it is thought to be a more aggressive cell type but is treated in the same way as Epithelial OVCA.
Usually if OVCA is found in stage 1 then no chemo is needed , if clear cell histology is found even in the earliest stage 1a then 6 cycles of chemo is stongly reccomended.
I am 3 1/2 years out from dx for stage 1 clear cell and I had 6 cycles of chemo , my cancer was endometriosis in the ovary that had turned malignant. Both of my sisters have been diagnosed with endometriosis and are being monitored frequently because there is a link between clear cell  and endomertriosis. I am BRC negative .
I hope this has helped a bit .

Good luck  Angie

[Teresa222]

My ovarian cancer is clear cell.  I can only speak from my experience.  I had no remission after my first six treatments.  A tumor showed up on the CT Scan the first time I had one.  My doctor thinks the tumor was left behind after my initial surgery.  This leads me to the conclusion that the chemo did not work on me.  I am starting Doxil next Tuesday.  I will be treated with it for six months.


Teresa

[jldny]

Does anyone know the likelihood of clear cell Stg 1 recurring? I finished my 6 rounds May 06. My CA-125s have all been <5. Yeah!

[jldny]

I am praying for you as you battle the beast!

[yzf600]

Praying for you too.  My sister was diagnosed with Stage 1 C and had many chemos treatments, but not sure how many.  She is a 5 year survivor...praise God.  It's hard to know what decisions to make.  I only have one ovary and it does have a cyst on it that is monitored very closely.  I have the 9cm fibroid that is a real bear... and I'm ready to rip the thing out myself.  I visit with the GYN/ONC on December 2nd for him to discuss with me what my risks are.  I'll know after that time if it's a myoectomy or hysterctomy.   Is it worth the risk to keep my one ovary?