Female Genital Tuberculosis, a Rare Lesion Mimicking Ovarian Carcinoma, with Granulosa Cell Tumor: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) of the upper genital tract is a rare disease worldwide. TB should be always considered in the differential diagnosis of a pelvic or adnexal mass as it may diagnosed as ovarian carcinoma but both have completely different treatment. Therefore, recognition of TB is important for surgeons and histopathologists, in order to set a proper plan for management and avoid unnecessary extensive therapy. Granulosa cell tumor of the ovary is a rare type of ovarian cancer that accounts for approximately 2% of all ovarian tumors. This type of tumor is known as a sex cord-stromal tumor and usually occurs in adults. Thorough search in English literature revealed only 2 case reports showed combination between genital TB and granulosa cell tumor. Case summary: A 68 years old female patient complained of vaginal bleeding for four months. She had no personal or family history of TB. An ultrasound study showed a 2x1.5 cm mixed echogenic mass in the right adnexa. Based on her clinical and imaging findings which suggestive of ovarian cancer, the patient underwent panhystrectomy and bilateral salpingoophrectomy. The gross examination of the specimen revealed distended and coiled tubes with right adnexal mass measured 2x1.5 cm and dissection of the uterus revealed erythematous endometrium with yellowish secretions. The histopathologic assessment of right adnexal mass revealed malignant neoplasm *Granulosa cell tumor* formed of short polygonal cells arranged in diffuse sheets with patternless pattern. The malignant cells showed nuclear grooving. There was no necrosis or other ovarian neoplastic element. The histopathologic assessment of both tubes and endometrium revealed infiltration by multiple nodular granulomas. Each granuloma was formed of multinucleated giant cells and epithelioid cells rimmed by lymphocytes with occasional central caseation *genital tuberculosis*. Conclusion: The conclusion of this case report is to stress upon keeping genital TB in mind as a potential differential diagnosis for ovarian carcinoma.