Genital Schistosomiasis: A Report on Two Cases of Ovarian Carcinomas Containing Viable Eggs ofSchistosoma mansoni

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection that is highly prevalent worldwide, with a variety of species being responsible for causing the disease. In Brazil, however, the only identified species is Schistosoma mansoni. The adult parasites inhabit the blood vessels of the hepatic portal system of the main host. The disease may range from being asymptomatic to provoking liver damage or portal hypertension. Furthermore, ectopic schistosomiasis may develop, and several hypotheses have been raised to explain the occurrence of the disease. This paper describes two cases, one in a 39-year-old woman and the other in a 47-year-old woman. Both had similar symptoms of pain and abdominal distension caused by a large abdominal/pelvic mass. Histopathology of the ovary showed a mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the intestinal type in the first patient and a papillary serous carcinoma in the second, with both tumors containing viable eggs of Schistosoma mansoni. The neoplasms probably serve as a migratory route for the adult parasites and the embolization of eggs. Nevertheless, there is insufficient evidence to confirm the malignization of a benign lesion due to the presence of Schistosoma mansoni. Few cases have been reported in the international literature on the association between ovarian schistosomiasis and neoplasms.

Systemic schistosomiasis and large bowel perforation: An unexpected surgical urgency. Report of a case and literature review

“…Abdominal CT scan identified a small left ovarian cyst, with partially defined borders, calcific walls, and internal fluid. According to the data in literature, the ovaries are the most affected organs in case of female genital schistosomiasis via the rectovaginal septum blood flow . The typical radiological presentation consists in calcific aspect of the mass due to the presence of schistosomal granulomas surrounding eggs of S mansoni with sovrafluid content forming by inflammatory response .…”

Schistosomiasis mimicking ovarian neoplasm

“…2,4 In the human body, Schistosoma species live in the venous plexus and may migrate to atypical sites, where they trigger an intense inflammatory reaction that may be thought neoplastic. 5,6 We report a case of ovarian schistosomiasis presenting as an abdominal mass mimicking a malignant tumour.…”