Deceptive clinical course of mucinous ovarian carcinoma mimicking pelvic abscess in a postmenopausal woman: An exceptional case report

Background: Mucinous ovarian carcinoma (MOC) is a rare subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer (3-5%), typically affecting women between 20 and 40 years old. It often presents diagnostic and management challenges.Case Report: We present an exceptional case of a postmenopausal woman with abdominal pain disguised as a pelvic abscess.A 73-year-old postmenopausal woman presented with abdominal pain for 6 months and postmenopausal spotting for 1 month.Initial imaging (CT scan) suggested a pelvic abscess, which was managed conservatively.However, persistent symptoms and a complex adnexal mass prompted further evaluation.MRI revealed a multiloculated right adnexal mass, and tumour markers (CA-125, CEA, HE4) were elevated.Surgical staging included total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and omentectomy.Histopathology confirmed stage IC2 mucinous adenocarcinoma.Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient received six cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel as adjuvant chemotherapy.Conclusions: This case emphasizes the diagnostic challenge of MOC in postmenopausal women.Misinterpretation as benign pelvic pathology can delay appropriate treatment.Precise imaging, tumour markers, and a multidisciplinary approach are critical for early diagnosis and improved outcomes.