Aggressive B-Cell Lymphoma Involving the Appendix and Bilateral Ovaries in an 11-Year-Old Girl

Abstract

Background: The appendix and ovaries are rarely involved simultaneously in malignancies. The decision to perform an ovarian biopsy or a surgical resection in young patients can be challenging without sufficient clinical information.

Case: We describe an 11-year-old girl with bilateral ovarian masses, an enlarged appendix, associated pleural effusion, and ascites. Appendectomy and biopsy of the bilateral ovarian masses led to a diagnosis of aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The patient was treated with chemotherapy, which achieved complete remission and bilateral ovarian preservation.

Summary and conclusion: If ovarian involvement in malignant lymphoma is suspected, diagnostic methods should spare the ovary and prevent a loss of fertility. To evaluate for possible chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage, including infertility and premature menopause, an interdisciplinary approach is needed for the long-term follow-up of adolescent girls.

Keywords: Aggressive B-cell lymphoma; Appendix; Bilateral ovaries; Fertility sparing; Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.