Primary carcinoma of the fallopian tube mimicking tubo-ovarian abscess.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to report that the primary fallopian tube cancer can be presented as a tubo-ovarian abscess preoperatively.

METHODS

A patient with a preoperative diagnosis of a tubo-ovarian abscess with abdominal pain, tenderness and an elevated fever with leukocytes underwent urgent exploratory laparotomy.

RESULTS

Explorative laparotomy and accompanied frozen section revealed a right-sided tubal carcinoma. There was an inflammatory and purulent reaction in the tube that was adherent to the anterior uterus. Total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed.

CONCLUSION

Carcinoma of the fallopian tube should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute pelvic peritonitis like a tubo-ovarian abscess.