Cystadenocarcinoma of the abdominal wall following caesarean section: case report and review of the literature

Gynecol Oncol. 2003 Nov;91(2):438-43. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2003.07.003.

Abstract

Objectives: Endometriosis affecting surgical scars is a well-described entity that can complicate surgery involving hysterotomies. Malignant transformation is a rare event that has been reported complicating ovarian endometriosis mainly.

Case: A 60-year-old woman having in the past two uneventful caesarean deliveries presented with a solid lower abdominal mass. A surgical biopsy and then a radical resection of the lower half of the abdominal wall were performed, with a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of endometrial origin. A diagnostic curettage excluded primary endometrial carcinoma. At 1 year she is NED.

Conclusions: This case report illustrates the carcinomatous transformation of an endometrial implant. Despite the rarity of such a diagnosis, it should be borne in mind when endometriosis in abdominal wall is suspected because an oncological resection is required.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Abdominal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Abdominal Wall / pathology
  • Abdominal Wall / surgery
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
  • Cesarean Section / adverse effects*
  • Cystadenocarcinoma / etiology*
  • Cystadenocarcinoma / surgery
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged