Familial tuberculosis mimicking advanced ovarian cancer

Abstract

Genital TB may present as on abdominopelvic mass mimicking ovarian malignancy because clinical and laboratory findings are similar. Family history is very important and should be considered for differential diagnosis. Three cases of genital TB with presentation of abdominopelvic masses and with no signs and symptoms of TB were presented. Two of them had positive family history of pulmonary TB. Tissue diagnosis was the best method for diagnosis of genital TB, but it should be reminded that if positive family history of TB was present, mini laparotomy should be done to take biopsy and to make rapid diagnosis before treatment.

Figure 1

Microscopic picture showing chronic granulomatous inflammation with epitheloid histiocytes and Langhans type multinucleated giant cells (Case 1).

Figure 2

Microscopic picture showing chronic granulomatous inflammation with epitheloid histiocytes and Langhans type multinucleated giant cells (Case 2).

Figure 3

(a) Miliary pattern all over the abdominopelvic organs (Case 3), (b) Microscopic picture showing chronic granulomatous inflammation with epitheloid histiocytes and Langhans type multinucleated giant cells (Case 3).