Primary ovarian leiomyoma in a premenarchal adolescent: first reported case

Abstract

Background: Primary ovarian leiomyoma is a rare benign ovarian tumor with only several reported cases in adolescents. Little is known about the origin or natural history of these rare tumors as they have occurred in a variety of presentations and were removed upon presentation without observation.

Case: A 14-year-old, premenarchal female was found to have a 4 cm mass which grew to 6.5 cm over two years. It appeared sonographically most consistent with a teratoma; however, during surgical resection it was found to be solid, and on pathologic evaluation was identified as an ovarian leiomyoma.

Summary and conclusion: The growth of this patient's tumor with the onset of puberty supports hormonal responsivity, but its presence prior to menarche suggests an alternate origin, independent of gonadal hormones.

Keywords: adolescent; menarche; ovarian leiomyoma; pediatric ovarian tumor.