Cystic Angiomyofibroblastoma of the Uterus Mimicking Ovarian Cancer

Abstract

Angiomyofibroblastoma (AMFB) is an exceedingly rare mesenchymal tumor of the lower genital tract. AMFB primarily affects the pelviperineal region, especially the vulvar in premenopausal women. Typically, AMFB is a benign disease and does not have the potential for metastasis or recurrence, requiring complete surgical excision. Its accurate differentiation from aggressive angiomyxoma is critical due to varying prognoses. A 51-year-old woman, diagnosed with mucinous carcinoma of the breast, presented with a 12 cm abdominopelvic mass identified during breast cancer staging. Imaging suggested an ovarian origin; however, surgical exploration revealed a stalk-attached cystic mass in the anterior body of the uterus. Histopathology confirmed AMFB. Immunohistochemical analysis showed positivity for estrogen and progesterone receptors and smooth muscle actin. The patient continued breast cancer treatment postoperatively without pelvic mass recurrence or complications for a postoperative follow-up period of one year. This case highlights AMFB’s potential uterine body origin, expending known tumor sites and complicating diagnosis due to overlapping features with other mesenchymal tumors. Accurate diagnosis using immunohistochemical markers and pathological features is essential to avoid unnecessary aggressive treatments. The uterine location in this case suggests a possible shared pathogenesis with uterine myomas, warranting further research into their connection. Reporting the first case of AMFB originating in the uterine body enhances understanding of this rare condition and underscores the importance of clinical awareness and precise diagnostic strategies to guide management and improve outcomes.

Keywords

• angiomyofibroblastoma
• uterus
• breast cancer
• prognosis