Our results suggest that mutations and/or alterations in expression of TGF-beta receptors and loss of Smad 4 are frequent in human ovarian cancers and may potentially explain the frequent loss of TGF-beta responsiveness that typically occurs in human ovarian cancer.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of vulva is an extremely rare, slowly progressing neoplasm mostly involving the Bartholin's gland. The usual treatment includes wide excision and adjuvant radiotherapy (if required). There may be late local and distant recurrence.

Surgical management of ovarian lesions vary considerably depending on the nature of the lesion. As the preoperative imaging and serum tumor marker levels are of limited value in the proper categorization of ovarian lesions, intraoperative pathological assessment is commonly requested for a primary diagnosis. Aim of the study is to assess the accuracy of the frozen section in the diagnosis of ovarian masses in our center and to analyze the causes of diagnostic discrepancies. In this retrospective study, frozen section diagnosis of 233 cases of ovarian masses was compared with the permanent section diagnosis. The overall accuracy of frozen section was 91.85 %. The sensitivity of frozen section diagnosis for benign, borderline and malignant tumors was 99.2, 88.46 and 82.95 % respectively. The corresponding specificity was 96.5, 93.23 and 99.3 %. There were 19 discordant cases including 18 false negative cases and one false positive case. Frozen section is an important diagnostic tool to determine the nature of ovarian masses. Careful macroscopic examination, evaluation of multiple sections along with clinical and radiological findings helps to reduce false positive and false negative results. Frozen section examination has limitations especially in cases of borderline tumors. This modality is most effective when the pathologist and surgeon are aware of the advantages and limitations.

Extra mammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a rare condition involving the vulva, anogenital region, and axilla. Vulvar disease usually presents as a slow growing well-defined itchy plaque with crustations or ulcerations over the affected area in postmenopausal women. Well-established guidelines for diagnosis and management are not available for this rare condition. Our patient is a 64-year-old postmenopausal woman with a history of similar complaints of 2 years duration, not responding to multiple topical treatments. She was diagnosed with EMPD on incisional biopsy and treated with surgery at our centre.

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