Genital Schistosomiasis: Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma of the Ovary Containing Schistosoma mansoni Eggs

Abstract

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is an important parasitosis in view of its high prevalence worldwide. Schistosoma mansoni is the only endemic species described in Brazil. Hepatosplenic involvement is the most significant cause of morbidity; patients may be asymptomatic until the onset of signs of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension. Few descriptions of schistosomiasis affecting the ovary are found in the international literature. In some cases, this condition has been reported in association with a neoplastic process. This case report describes a 39-year old woman with complaints of abdominal pain and distention resulting from a large abdominal/pelvic mass, which on ultrasonography resembled an adnexal tumor. The tumor was removed surgically at the Santa Casa de Misericordia Hospital in Vitória, ES, Brazil. Histopathology revealed an ovarian cystadenocarcinoma containing S. mansoni eggs. Some hypotheses have been developed to justify the presence of schistosomiasis at ectopic sites.

Keywords: cystadenocarcinoma; ovary; schistosomiasis; Schistosoma mansoni