Cellular leiomyoma of the broad ligament masquerading an ovarian malignancy

Abstract

Leiomyoma of the uterus is a common mesenchymal tumor of the female pelvis. Broad ligament leiomyoma is a relatively uncommon neoplasm comprising <1% of cases of leiomyoma. We present a case of a huge cellular broad ligament leiomyoma with cystic, myxoid, and hyaline degeneration clinically presenting as an ovarian tumor. Broad ligament leiomyoma is asymptomatic, but if neglected for a long time and it reaches an enormous size, it may result in chronic pelvic pain, compression of the bladder neck, and may even cause bowel dysfunction. They can sometimes clinically and radiologically mimic ovarian neoplasm. Therefore, histopathology plays a pivotal role in the definitive diagnosis. The diagnostic dilemma arises especially when leiomyomas undergo various degenerations. This case is being presented not just because of its rarity and the diagnostic dilemma it causes but to highlight the role of frozen section and histopathology in confirming the diagnosis.

Keywords

• broad ligament
• cellular leiomyoma
• ovarian tumor
• ovary