High dose radioiodine therapy preceded by fertility preservation surgery in metastatic malignant struma ovarii: A tale of endurance and prudent management

Abstract

Struma ovarii is a type of mature ovarian teratoma which accounts for roughly 0.5%–1% (1) of all ovarian tumours and approximately 3% of all ovarian teratomas (2). To be classified as struma ovarii, more than 50% of the tumour must be comprised of thyroid tissue (3). Malignant struma ovarii being rare, no proper guidelines exists regarding its surgical approach or postoperative management. Metastatic malignant struma ovarii, in addition to radical surgery for ovarian mass will require total thyroidectomy to facilitate high dose radioiodine therapy. Here we present the case of a newly married, nulliparous, young lady in her third decade who was diagnosed with malignant struma ovarii with metastatic deposits in fallopian tube and extensive deposits in mesentery and peritoneum., She underwent cryopreservation of embryos followed by bilateral salphingo-oopherectomy + omentectomy + stripping of peritoneum over bladder, abdominal side walls, pelvic peritoneum + appendectomy with preservation of uterus. Total thyroidectomy was done simultaneously. Subsequently she underwent high dose radioiodine therapy. Complete ablation of the residual metastatic deposits were achieved by one sitting of therapy.