Case report: detection of an advanced ovarian malignancy by cervical cytology

There are currently no recommended screening tests for the early detection of ovarian cancer. Ovarian malignancies are most often discovered on bimanual exam at advanced stages, resulting in a high mortality from this disease. While the Papanicolaou (Pap) smear is not a reliable screen for the detection of ovarian cancer, abnormal cytology may be the initial indicator of ovarian malignancy. This is a case report of an invasive serous adenocarcinoma of the ovary that was discovered as the result of a clinical work-up for abnormal cytology reported on a Pap smear.