Deceptive Ovarian Cancer Case Mimics Pelvic Abscess, Delaying Diagnosis in Postmenopausal Woman
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April 22, 2026“Mucinous ovarian carcinoma (MOC) is a rare subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer (3–5%), typically affecting women between 20 and 40 years old.”
BUFFALO, NY — April 22, 2026 — A new case report was published in Volume 13 of Oncoscience on March 11, 2026, titled “Deceptive clinical course of mucinous ovarian carcinoma mimicking pelvic abscess in a postmenopausal woman: An exceptional case report.”
The study was led by first author Aparna Jarathi and corresponding author Ajay Kumar Kondeti from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), with contributions from a multidisciplinary clinical team across gynecology, oncology, and pathology departments.
In this report, the authors describe a diagnostically challenging case of mucinous ovarian carcinoma in a 73-year-old postmenopausal woman whose condition initially presented as a presumed pelvic abscess. The patient experienced prolonged abdominal pain and postmenopausal bleeding, and early imaging suggested a benign infectious process, leading to conservative management.
However, persistent symptoms and the development of a large, complex adnexal mass prompted further investigation. Advanced imaging with MRI revealed a multiloculated solid-cystic lesion, while tumor markers—including CA-125, CEA, and HE4—were markedly elevated, raising suspicion for malignancy. Surgical staging ultimately confirmed stage IC2 mucinous adenocarcinoma of the ovary.
The case highlights how mucinous ovarian carcinoma can present with nonspecific symptoms and radiologic features that closely resemble benign conditions, particularly in postmenopausal women where such malignancies are less expected. This overlap can lead to delayed diagnosis and potentially suboptimal initial management.
“This case emphasizes the diagnostic challenge of MOC in postmenopausal women.”
Following definitive surgical treatment, the patient recovered well and completed six cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel. Despite postoperative infectious complications, appropriate management allowed for continued oncologic care and favorable short-term outcomes.
Overall, this case underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion when evaluating adnexal masses in postmenopausal patients. Integrating imaging findings with tumor marker assessment and multidisciplinary clinical input is essential for timely diagnosis and effective treatment.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18632/oncoscience.650
Correspondence to: Ajay Kumar Kondeti – ajay.radonc@aiimsbibinagar.edu.in
Keywords: cancer, mucinous cystadenocarcinoma, pelvic abscess, carcinoma ovary, histopathological diagnosis
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