Leiomyomas are non-cancerous tumors emerging from the smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts of the myometrium. They are the most common pelvic tumors in females and are usually asymptomatic. Parasitic leiomyomas have been defined as unusual variants of pedunculated leiomyomas. When symptomatic, leiomyomas can cause abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain/pressure, and reproductive effects, such as infertility or adverse pregnancy outcomes. Treatment varies depending on age, symptoms, and the preference to preserve fertility. In this article, we describe the case of a 58-year-old woman who presented for a scheduled cervical cancer screening in primary healthcare. Upon objective examination, the patient exhibited a distended and tense abdomen, along with edema in the lower limbs. These symptoms were associated with fatigue and weight gain over the last few months. Subsequent investigation led to an exploratory laparotomy which revealed a massive abdominal mass, measuring approximately 45 cm in diameter and weighing 35 kg. The findings were suggestive of a parasitic leiomyoma.
Keywords: cervical cancer screening; gynecologic cancers; intra-abdominal mass; leiomyomas; parasitic leiomyomas; primary healthcare services.
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