Pelvic-peritoneal tuberculosis mimicking ovarian cancer.
Pelvic-peritoneal tuberculosis is a common extrapulmonary site in young females mimicking an advanced ovarian malignancy. We present 2 cases with the classical triad of advanced-stage ovarian carcinoma-ascites, abdominopelvic masses and elevated serum CA-125 levels. Laparoscopic examination revealed peritoneal nodules which on biopsy showed granulomatous inflammation and no malignant cells. Patients were started on anti-tuberculous therapy and on follow-up their symptoms as well as CA-125 levels normalized. Medical awareness of peritoneal tuberculosis is lacking and many young women with this disease undergo unnecessary extended surgery. Diagnostic laparoscopy combined with peritoneal biopsy seems to be a sufficient and safe method to provide a definitive diagnosis for this curable infection. If left untreated, the disease may disseminate and result in significant organ dysfunctions particularly infertility.
Department of Medical Oncology, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan. sabaimtiaz@hotmail.com
Saba
S
Imtiaz
Neelam
N
Siddiqui
Murtaza
M
Ahmad
Amna
A
Jahan
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D018394:CA-125 Antigen / Q000097:blood; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D014395:Peritonitis, Tuberculous / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D000995:Antitubercular Agents; D018394:CA-125 Antigen