Strumal Carcinoid Tumor of the Ovary: Report of Rare Occurrence with Review of Literature

Wei Zhu¹Yuance Xu²Qin Yao^1*

• ¹The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
• ²Jilin Women and Children Hospital, Changchun, China

Background: Primary ovarian carcinoid is a rare ovarian tumor that accounts for 0.5% to 1.7% of all carcinoid tumors and 1% of all ovarian cancers. These tumors can be classified into four types based on their histopathological features: island-like, trabecular, oral, and mucinous. Island-like carcinomas are more common in Western countries, while chain and trabecular carcinomas are more common in Asian countries. Ovarian struma carcinoid, a special type of ovarian tumor that often contains benign thyroid tissue, is a highly differentiated teratoma characterized by the co-existence of thyroid follicular tissue with carcinoid tissue and neuroendocrine function. Preoperative diagnosis is often challenging due to the occult nature and radiographic diversity of the disease. Case report: Based on the case report of a 42-year-old patient, the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic masses were described in detail. The patient had a 3-year clinical history. Ultrasound examination revealed a 5.1×4.0×4.3cm uneven echo mass in the right adnexal area with internal striped blood flow signals, but CA-125, AFP, free T4, TSH, and other diagnostic indicators were all within the normal range. The patient underwent laparoscopic resection of the right adnexa, and the histopathological findings were consistent with an ovarian struma carcinoid. The patient had a history of persistent constipation, and currently complained of right upper abdominal distension, without dizziness, weakness, lower abdominal distension discomfort, or frequent urination, and no significant changes in weight. One year post-operation, the patient had no sign of recurrence. Discussion: Through a literature review, we discuss the clinical, imaging, and pathological features of this disease, as well as the outcome of surgical treatment. This report highlights the importance of careful evaluation and timely surgical intervention of pelvic masses and points out that rare conditions such as ovarian struma carcinoid should be taken into account in the face of atypical ovarian tumors.