Case report of a giant serous ovarian cystadenoma in a patient with a large abdominal mass

Abstract

Introduction: Ovarian cysts are collections of fluid commonly seen in women throughout their lifetime. In most cases, the cysts are benign and can be managed conservatively. Among epithelial tumors, serous cystadenomas are one of the most common, accounting for 15 to 25% of cases. Method: In the present study, we report a rare experience obtained with a patient seen at Hospital São Vicente de Paulo de Minas de Gerais (HSVP-MG), who was diagnosed with a giant ovarian cyst, and discuss the pathophysiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of the case. Case report: A 42-year-old female patient, born in Juiz de Fora - MG, underwent an elective surgery for umbilical herniorrhaphy at HSVP. During surgery, a volume was identified in the abdominal cavity at the time of incision. The hernia was corrected and a CT scan was performed, which showed the mass measuring about 27.7 x 19.6 x 26.2 cm (T x AP x L). Twenty days later, the patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with exeresis of the detected cyst and aspiration of 13 liters of fluid from its interior and from the ovary itself. A biopsy of the collected material was then performed, which indicated that it was a serous cystadenoma, adherent to the fallopian tube and to the left ovary. Conclusion: The patient fits the cases of serous cystadenomas, within the age range of occurrence for benign masses and was asymptomatic. The exam of choice was ultrasonography to recognize the tumor and laparotomy for better resolution of the case.