Small-cell carcinoma of the ovary in peritoneal fluid

Two cases of small‐cell carcinoma of the ovary in the ascitic fluid and peritoneal/pelvic washings of a 30‐ and 28‐yr‐old woman, respectively, are presented and discussed. Smear preparations from the ascitic fluid showed loose clusters and single malignant cells with scant cytoplasm and nuclei with smooth to irregular nuclear membranes, granular chromatin, and small nucleoli. In the second case peritoneal/pelvic washing specimens contained clusters and single malignant cells with a moderate amount of cytoplasm and nuclei with smooth nuclear membranes, granular, clumped chromatin, and prominent nucleoli. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of small‐cell carcinoma of the ovary. These are the first reported cases of this rare ovarian neoplasm present on fluid cytology. Its differentiation from other small‐cell neoplasms on peritoneal fluid cytology from young women is discussed. Diagn Cytopathol 1994; 11:266–270. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.