Dermatomyositis as a presenting symptom of ovarian cancer

Background: Among gynecologic malignancies, the coexistence of ovarian canc er and dermatomyositis is most frequent. Case: A 75-year-old woman presented with dermatomyositis, and a search for underlying malignancy found an otherwise asymptomatic ovarian carcinoma wit h para-aortic lymph node metastases. After resection and chemotherapy, the muscle weakness and skin lesions relating to dermatomyositis began to impro ve; Conclusion: Dermatomyositis can be the only presenting symptom of ovarian c ancer, so an evaluation for suspected underlying malignancy should be done. (Obstet Gynecol 1999;94:836-8. (C) 1999 by The American College of Obstetr icians and Gynecologists.).