Desmoplastic small round cell tumor: report of a case presenting as a primary ovarian neoplasm

Background: Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is an intra-abdominal malignancy that typically has extensive peritoneal spread at the time of diagnosis. We report a case of DSRCT with involvement of the ovary and omentum as well as an elevated CA-125 level at presentation.

Case: A 23-year-old female presented to another institution with a pelvic mass and a CA-125 level of 140 U/ml. During tumor reductive surgery the right ovary, omentum, and liver were found to be involved. Initial histologic examination favored an undifferentiated small cell carcinoma of the ovary. The patient received two cycles of Taxol and cisplatin chemotherapy and was referred to the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Upon review of the pathology material at the time of the referral, a diagnosis of DSRCT was made. Despite two additional cycles of chemotherapy, the tumor progressed, and the patient returned home.

Conclusion: DSRCT may mimic an ovarian primary tumor by presenting with involvement of the ovary and an elevated CA-125 level, and should be included in the differential diagnosis of ovarian neoplasms in young patients.

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor; Ovarian neoplasm; Peritoneum; CA-125

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