A broad ligament leiomyoma mistaken for a cystic ovarian tumour: A case report

Abstract

Broad ligament leiomyomas are rare with an incidence of less than 1%. We present a 36-year-old female patient with anabdominopelvic mass with a clinical suspicion of a right ovarian mass after ultrasound scan and Computed Tomography (CT) scan. Laparotomy revealed a broad ligament mass that had undergone cystic degeneration which was confirmed as leiomyoma at histology. The degenerative changes in the leiomyoma lead to clinical and diagnostic confusion. Thus, although uncommon, broad ligament fibroids should be considered during evaluation of an adnexal mass for optimal patient management. Ahigh index of suspicion for fibroids located in the broad ligament should be kept particularly when the risk of malignancy index is low. Transvaginal ultrasound is comparable to Computed Tomography scan/Magnetic Resonance Imaging in identifying site of origin of adnexal mass and should be used in resource-limited settings.