Polypoid endometriosis - A rare entity of endometriosis mimicking ovarian cancer

To report a rare case of polypoid endometriosis with initial impression of ovarian cancer and review the published literature about this disease.

A 23-year-old female presented with sudden onset of acute lower abdominal pain. Image studies revealed an irregular shaped, heterogeneous mass at the cul-de-sac, but without ascites or enlargement of pelvic or paraaortic lymph nodes. Blood tests showed an elevated CA-125 value (1317 U/ml). Resection of the mass was performed by laparotomy and the frozen section and final pathology both revealed polypoid endometriosis. Post-operative gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist was given for 6 months followed by oral contraceptives. She remained disease free 3 years after operation.

Polypoid endometriosis is an uncommon and distinctive variant of endometriosis. Gynecologists should be aware of this rare form of a commonly benign disease to avoid excessive resection in younger patients of childbearing age.