Primary pancreatic cystadenocarcinoma with ovarian metastases in a 38-year-old female: case report

Pancreatic cystadenocarcinoma with ovarian metastases is rare and easily misdiagnosed as primary ovarian cancers. Here we report 38-year-old female manifested tumors in pancreas and ovary concurrently, which was difficult to distinguish the primary site. She was admitted to hospital because of abdominal distension and a palpable mass in the lower abdomen. Abdominal ultrasound showed a lesion in pancreas and two masses in bilateral ovaries. Computed tomography (CT) revealed the hypo-enhancing pancreatic mass and the large pelvic lesion simultaneously. The largest cross-sectional of the right mass was 12×15.1 cm and 15.4×18.3 cm for the left side, probably malignant lesions. In addition, the level of the serum CA19-9 and CA125 were higher than the normal level. Positron emission tomography CT (PET-CT) revealed there might be the cystadenocarcinoma in the pancreatic tail with multiple metastatic lesions implanted in the pelvic. After comprehensive examination, she received bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and biopsy of the pancreatic tumor. The pathological finding revealed that it was pancreatic cystadenocarcinoma with ovarian metastases. Postoperatively, she received the chemotherapy and the follow-up continued for 26 months until she died. This case reminded doctors that pancreatic primaries should be paid attention when dealing with metastatic ovarian malignancies although it was rare. Choosing effective diagnostic method and timely surgical intervention are essential to improve prognosis.