Pulmonary metastases of a borderline ovarian tumor with multiple cystic formations: a case report

BACKGROUND: Metastatic lung tumors rarely present with cystic formations. This is the first report of multiple cystic formations in pulmonary metastases from mucinous borderline ovarian tumors written in English. CASE PRESENTATION: A 41-year-old woman underwent left adnexectomy + partial omentectomy + para-aortic lymphadenectomy for a left ovarian tumor 4 years ago. The pathological finding was mucinous borderline ovarian tumor with a microinvasion. A chest computed tomography performed 3 years after surgery revealed multiple cystic lesions in both lungs. After 1-year follow-up, the cysts increased in size and wall thickness. Subsequently, she was referred to our department with multiple cystic lesions in both lungs. No laboratory findings indicated infectious diseases or autoimmune disorders that could cause cystic lesions in both lungs. Positron emission tomography showed slight accumulation in the cyst wall. Partial resection of the left lower lobe was performed to confirm the pathological diagnosis. The diagnosis was consistent with pulmonary metastases from a previous mucinous borderline ovarian tumor. CONCLUSIONS: This is a rare case of lung metastases from a mucinous borderline ovarian tumor presenting with multiple lesions with cystic formation. Pulmonary cystic formations in patients with a borderline ovarian tumor should be considered as possible pulmonary metastases.