An unusual case of ectopic or "parasitic" leiomyoma excised by laparoscopic surgery

A 47-year-old woman underwent a laparoscopic resection of a large ectopic or "parasitic" fibroid filling the pelvis and placed within the rectosigmoid mesentery. The tumor was excised completely without a need for hysterectomy. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies confirmed a "parasitic" leiomyoma, excluding sarcoma or a gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Because of its bizarre location in relation to the large bowel, a combined general surgical and gynecological approach was used successfully. The pathology of this rare tumor is reviewed.