Deceptive clinical course of mucinous ovarian carcinoma mimicking pelvic abscess in a postmenopausal woman: An exceptional case report
Aparna Jarathi1, Sunitha Geddada2, Chandramouli Ramalingam2, Naina Kumar1, Anusha Devalla1, Ashwini Pitambra3, Ashutosh Rath3, NagaSai Divya Kari2, Uday Reddy Janke2, B Surender Reddy2 and Ajay Kumar Kondeti2
1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bibinagar, Hyderabad, India
2 Department of Radiation Oncology, AIIMS, Bibinagar, Hyderabad, India
3 Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, AIIMS, Bibinagar, Hyderabad, India
Correspondence to:
Ajay Kumar Kondeti, email: ajay.radonc@aiimsbibinagar.edu.in
Keywords: mucinous cystadenocarcinoma; pelvic abscess; carcinoma ovary; histopathological diagnosis
Received: September 10, 2025 Accepted: March 03, 2026 Published: March 11, 2026
ABSTRACT
Background: Mucinous ovarian carcinoma (MOC) is a rare subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer (3–5%), typically affecting women between 20 and 40 years old. It often presents diagnostic and management challenges.
Case Report: We present an exceptional case of a postmenopausal woman with abdominal pain disguised as a pelvic abscess. A 73-year-old postmenopausal woman presented with abdominal pain for 6 months and postmenopausal spotting for 1 month. Initial imaging (CT scan) suggested a pelvic abscess, which was managed conservatively. However, persistent symptoms and a complex adnexal mass prompted further evaluation. MRI revealed a multiloculated right adnexal mass, and tumour markers (CA-125, CEA, HE4) were elevated. Surgical staging included total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and omentectomy. Histopathology confirmed stage IC2 mucinous adenocarcinoma. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient received six cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel as adjuvant chemotherapy.
Conclusions: This case emphasizes the diagnostic challenge of MOC in postmenopausal women.
Misinterpretation as benign pelvic pathology can delay appropriate treatment. Precise imaging, tumour markers, and a multidisciplinary approach are critical for early diagnosis and improved outcomes.
PII: 650
