Ovarian Brenner Tumour: A Case Report

Abstract

Brenner’s tumour is a rare epithelial ovarian cancer, accounting for less than 5% of all cases. It is characterised by the presence of cells with transitional features between epithelial and mesenchymal cells. The diagnosis of Brenner’s tumour of the ovary has become more frequent in recent years. Accurate diagnosis is crucial since it exhibits distinct clinical behaviour and prognosis compared to other types of ovarian cancer. Studies have confirmed that this type of ovarian cancer shares unique characteristics similar to urothelial tissue and can be differentiated from non cancerous abnormal growths known as metaplastic and/or malignant Brenner’s tumours. Hereby, the authors present a case report of a 54-year-old woman, who presented with lumbar pain, abdominal discomfort, weight loss, abnormal uterine bleeding, and a persistent abdominal mass for a month. Abdominal and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging revealed an abnormal extensive, lobulated, and ill-defined lesion with solid and cystic components. The patient’s alpha-fetoprotein tumour marker was within the normal range (5.20 IU/mL), while beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (8.67 mIU/ mL) and carcinoembryonic antigen (5.3 ng/mL) levels were slightly elevated. Serum Cancer Antigen (CA)-19-9 levels were within the normal range (9.0 U/mL). Following the surgical procedure, microscopic examination of the tissue confirmed the primary type of cancer in the ovary as Brenner’s tumour. Due to its rarity, favourable response to chemotherapy, and lower incidence compared to other tumour types, patients with Brenner’s tumours typically have a better prognosis.