Clear cell ovarian carcinoma following polymyositis diagnosis: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND

The association of ovarian malignancy with dermatomyositis (DM) is well established from previous reports, while the relationship with polymyositis (PM) is rare.

CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 50 years old nulliparous woman who developed clear cell ovarian cancer four years after the PM diagnosis. The patient presented with deep lower abdominal pain and distension. CA-125 was elevated and the preoperative MRI showed pelvic tumor occupying the Douglas pouch. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a gross mass of clear cell ovarian carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

Physicians must be alert of the possibility of malignancy in patients with a previous diagnosis of polymyositis.