Adnexal mass: an unusual presentation of small-bowel adenocarcinoma

Malignancy of the small bowel presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges resulting in a delayed diagnosis in many cases. Small-bowel tumors respond poorly to most forms of treatment. Metastatic lesions to the ovaries comprise a small percentage of all ovarian malignant neoplasms. Ovarian metastases from primary small-bowel tumors are often difficult to differentiate from primary ovarian tumors. Only few reports have described ovarian metastases from small-bowel sources. A high index of suspicion can lead to an earlier diagnosis and can have an impact on the therapeutic options as well as the survival of the patients. The current report also underscores the importance of careful review of symptoms, investigative studies and pathology.