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.

Fallopian tube carcinoma; Tuba-ovarian abscess; Adnexal mass

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