Endometriosis mimicking advanced ovarian cancer

Fertil Steril. 2006 Jul;86(1):219.e23-5. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.12.044.

Abstract

Objective: To report a case of endometriosis associated with massive ascites, pleural effusion, and extremely elevated Ca-125.

Design: Case report.

Setting: University hospital.

Patient(s): A 46-year-old, white nulligravida with bilateral adnexal masses, Ca-125 of 3,504 U/mL, abdominal pain, ascites, and a pleural effusion.

Intervention(s): Chemotherapy followed by exploratory laparotomy for suspected ovarian cancer.

Main outcome measure(s): Surgical findings and histopathology.

Result(s): Intraoperative examination and histology ruled out malignancy but found stage IV endometriosis.

Conclusion(s): In rare instances advanced endometriosis may be associated with ascites, pleural effusions, and large pelvic masses. For this reason endometriosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of reproductive-age women presenting with apparent ovarian malignancy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Ascites / diagnosis
  • Ascites / etiology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Errors / prevention & control*
  • Endometriosis / complications
  • Endometriosis / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / complications
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Palpation
  • Pleural Effusion / diagnosis
  • Pleural Effusion / etiology*