A diagnostic challenge of a giant Para-ovarian cyst in an adolescent girl in a low resource setting- a case report

Introduction and importance

Presentation of a giant para-ovarian cysts is rarely reported in the literature, with varying symptoms, methods of treatment, and complications. Herein, we highlight the diagnostic challenges faced in a low resource setting in the diagnosis of a giant para-ovarian cyst in a 17-year-old girl.

Case presentation

A 17-year-old, virginal girl who presented with vague abdominal pain with an abdomino-pelvic mass of about 24 weeks pregnancy uterus size was diagnosed as a case of huge benign ovarian cyst with normal tumour markers. A computed tomography showed a large well defined clear cystic lesion (19x23 cm) in the abdomino-pelvic region, and normal tumour markers.

Clinical discussion

During exploratory laparotomy, the mass was found to be a giant para-ovarian cyst arising from right side, with normal bilateral tubes, ovaries and uterus. She underwent successful excision of the cyst with the laparotomy incision, with an uneventful postoperative recovery.

Conclusion

In a resource constraint setting, preoperative differentiation of a giant para-ovarian cyst from an ovarian cyst is a real challenge. Operating gynaecologists needs to be aware of the possibility of giant para-ovarian cysts in women with a huge abdomino-pelvic mass with normal tumour markers, and plan the treatment accordingly.