Metastatic Ovarian Cancer Presenting as Neck Tumour
Metastatic ovarian cancer to the neck is a rare presentation, with very rare cases reported in India.
INTRODUCTION
Sites for distant metastasis in ovarian cancer are usually to the liver, lung, and pleura. Metastatic ovarian cancer to the neck is a rare presentation and the prognosis is poor in such cases and management is difficult.
The case referred to Dr. Mathan was a 67-year-old female patient who had been treated for ovarian cancer, now presenting with a large mass of tumour on the left side of her neck. She approached several hospitals and doctors who denied her treatment due to difficult management of the tumour and poor prognosis.
CASE PRESENTATION
The patient presented with a large swelling in the left side of her neck. The growth started as a small swelling and progressed to the present size. The patient’s medical history revealed that she had undergone a surgery for ovarian cancer 2 years ago. Dr. Mathan found the patient history was significant and suspected the swelling as a secondary metastasis ovarian cancer.
Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) confirmed an advanced stage malignancy that has spread from the cells in the ovaries to the present site. The case was discussed in a multidisciplinary team meeting, and the decision made to proceed with a radical surgical resection.
Dr. Mathan and his efficient team successfully removed both the tumour and the metastases of the cancer with a 10mm margin.
The patient was then kept on surveillance at the hospital for a week and was followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. The team scheduled several follow-up appointments to ensure the incision is healing properly.
CONCLUSION
Our data so far clearly suggests improved prognosis of the patient with complete tumour resection and no indication of postoperative adverse events or complications so far.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Dr Mathan appreciates the team that collaborated with him in this surgery.
