large parasitic leiomyoma mistaken for an ovarian mass: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Uterine leiomyomas, commonly known as fibroids, are benign tumors composed of uterine myometrial tissue which are the most prevalent pelvic masses during female reproductive age. Abnormal uterine bleeding is the most common symptom. When a fibroid undergoes separation from the uterus and grows extensively it can cause difficulty in making an accurate diagnosis and limit potential treatment options. Case Report: This case report discusses a large pelvic mass found in a 40-year-old female. Because of the size of the mass and inadequate diagnostic imaging, a proper diagnosis was difficult to establish, so the patient underwent surgical management. A total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy and right oophorectomy was performed with additional unexpected intraoperative findings. Conclusion: Parasitic leiomyomas can cause atypical patient presentations. They can grow to occupy a great amount of space in the abdominopelvic cavity which can create obstacles during diagnostic workup. This report demonstrates how a relatively rare type of fibroid can be easily misdiagnosed and lead to limited treatment options.