Serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma detected during benign gynecologic surgery: a case report

High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is the most common type of pelvic cancer among women. Serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) is a precursor lesion of HGSC. Herein, we report a rare occurrence of STIC in patients undergoing surgery for benign indications without a family history of ovarian cancer. A 77-year-old woman underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for uterine prolapse. Pathological examination revealed bilateral STIC without ovarian abnormalities, and no other abnormal findings were noted. Another patient, a 49-year-old woman, underwent laparoscopic total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy for uterine fibroids. STIC lesions were observed in both fallopian tubes. Subsequently, a staging was performed. No additional lesions were found, and the patient was followedup through imaging and blood tests. As reports of STIC lesions are rare, data on their clinical outcomes and management strategies are limited. In this report, we present cases of incidental STIC in benign surgery and discuss its proper interpretation and management. Through the early detection of STIC lesions, patients with risk factors can be identified in advance, which will allow prevention and early detection of ovarian cancer. Opportunistic salpingectomy was also actively discussed in this regard.