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Ovarian teratoma with diffused peritoneal reactions mimicking advanced ovarian malignancy.

Phupong V, Sueblinvong T, Triratanachat S

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Rama IV Road, 10330 Pathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand. vorapong.p@chula.ac.th

BACKGROUND: Benign cystic teratomas are one of the most common benign ovarian neoplasms. Although its rupture is rare, once occurred it can cause complications such as granulomatous peritonitis, mimicking metastatic ovarian malignancy. CASE: A 39-year-old woman, Para 0-0-0-0, presented to the hospital with rapid abdominal distention for 3 months. Her physical examination and ultrasonographic findings led to a diagnosis of advanced stage ovarian carcinoma. An exploratory laparotomy was performed and the operative impression was that of stage III ovarian carcinoma. Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and surgical staging were done. The postoperative pathology revealed a benign cystic teratoma of right ovary with chronic granulomatous peritonitis. She was well at discharge and at her 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although ruptured a benign cystic teratoma is rare, it can cause granulomatous peritonitis, the clinical findings of which mimic advanced stage ovarian carcinoma. This warrants physicians to be aware of and intraoperative frozen section should be used, its correct management will provide a good outcome with less complication.

Published 4 November 2004 in Arch Gynecol Obstet, 270(3): 189-91.
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