# Ovarian fibroma torsion mimicking solid malignant tumors of the ovary: A case report and mini-review of the literature

**Authors:** Efthymia Thanasa, Anna Thanasa, Emmanouil Xydias, Ioannis-Rafail Antoniou, Apostolos Ziogas, Ioannis Thanasas

PMC · DOI: 10.3892/mi.2025.280 · Medicine International · 2025-10-29

## TL;DR

A case of ovarian fibroma torsion was mistaken for ovarian cancer, highlighting the need for better diagnostic approaches.

## Contribution

This case report presents an unusual manifestation of ovarian fibroma torsion mimicking malignancy.

## Key findings

- Ovarian fibroma torsion can present with symptoms and imaging features similar to solid ovarian cancer.
- Immunohistochemical examination confirmed the diagnosis after surgical intervention.
- The case emphasizes the importance of considering fibroma torsion in the differential diagnosis of adnexal masses.

## Abstract

The present study describes a rare case of torsion of an ovarian fibroma in a woman of reproductive age, where a severe diagnostic dilemma arose in differentiating it from a solid ovarian cancer. A 48-year-old female patient presented to the hospital with a 1-week history of low-grade fever and mild, continuous abdominal pain, accompanied by nausea and a mild sensation of abdominal bloating. The pain, which was not associated with signs of peritoneal irritation, was more pronounced in the right iliac fossa. The levels of inflammatory and tumor markers were found to be slightly elevated. A computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging of the right adnexal region revealed a large heterogeneous mass with cystic-necrotic areas inside, free fluid collection in the pelvis, and multiple slightly enlarged para-aortic and iliac lymph nodes. These imaging findings, combined with the lack of clinical and laboratory improvement following treatment with antibiotics, led to the decision to proceed with a laparotomy, without having ruled out the diagnosis of solid ovarian cancer. Intraoperatively, the torsion of an ovarian fibroma was identified. A total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. An immunohistochemical examination confirmed the diagnosis of ovarian fibroma. Following an uneventful post-operative course, the patient was discharged from the clinic on the 4th day post-operatively. The present case report highlights an unusual clinical manifestation of ovarian fibroma torsion, which entailed milder symptom intensity and characteristics resembling ovarian malignancy instead. The aim of the present study was to report this uncommon manifestation, explore its differential diagnosis from malignancy and provide a brief review of the current diagnostic and treatment algorithms for clinicians faced with similar cases in their practice. In this manner, it is hoped that the present study may contribute to the improvement of the diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy for similar cases.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** ovarian cancer (MONDO:0005140)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** peritoneal irritation (MESH:D010538), necrotic (MESH:D009336), malignant tumors of the ovary (MESH:D010051), Ovarian fibroma torsion (MESH:D000082843), abdominal bloating (MESH:D000007), fever (MESH:D005334), torsion (MESH:D050723), inflammatory (MESH:D007249), malignancy (MESH:D009369), nausea (MESH:D009325), ovarian fibroma (MESH:D010049), pain (MESH:D010146), abdominal pain (MESH:D015746)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

_Full body text omitted from this summary view._ Fetch the complete paper as Markdown: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12598543/full.md

## Figures

5 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12598543/full.md

## References

22 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12598543/full.md

---
Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12598543