title: Transitional cell bladder carcinoma with presentation mimicking ovarian carcinoma.
abstract: In the case described here, the patient's initial presentation suggested ovarian carcinoma. She had recurrent ascites, a pelvic mass, elevated CA-125, and extensive peritoneal carcinomatosis with transitional cell histology. The presence of hematuria prompted a cystoscopy, which revealed the true site of origin to be the urinary bladder rather than ovaries. This presentation is extremely rare for bladder cancer. Since transitional cell tumors from the bladder have a much worse prognosis than those of ovarian origin, it is important to identify the primary site correctly. Therefore, cystoscopy is essential for patients with hematuria, and should be considered in cases of apparent primary peritoneal carcinoma with transitional cell histology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery/ Division of Urology, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey 17033, USA.
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Erickson
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Dabbs
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Olt
mesh_terms: D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000473:pathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*