Atypical presentation of microscopically advanced ovarian carcinoma

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) continues to be an academically challenging and clinically problematic disease. Even with recent advances, the overall 5-year survival is still 31% to 42% in various studies. Deaths from EOC ou tnumber those due to cervical, vulvar, and endometrial carcinomas combined. Screening for EOC has shown limited success in early detection. The Pap sm ear is not a dependable tool in EOC screening, though at times it can be th e first evidence of ovarian disease. We report a case of EOC that was diagn osed during evaluation of an abnormal Pap smear. On completion of evaluatio n, stage IIIA endometrioid-type adenocarcinoma of the ovary was diagnosed, Occult EOC should be considered in patients with abnormal finding on cervic al cytology after cervical and uterine carcinomas are ruled out.