Introduction:

Peritoneal tuberculosis (abdominal tuberculosis) can be confused with a malignant neoplasm.

Objective:

To describe clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with abdominal tuberculosis mimicking advanced ovarian cancer, diagnosed in a national reference cancer center.

Methods:

Clinical and pathological characteristics of nine patients with abdominal tuberculosis that clinically resembled advanced ovarian cancer are described.

Results:

Median age was 47 years; the most common socioeconomic status was low (44%). Abdominal pain and weight loss occurred in 77.7%; ascites, in 55.5%; 22.2% had a positive COMBE test, and 100% had no history of pulmonary tuberculosis. CA-125 elevation was reported in 77.7%, with levels > 500 U/mL in 57.1%. Tomography reported carcinomatosis in 50% and pelvic tumor and ascites in 37.5%. All patients underwent surgery, where 62.5% were diagnosed by intraoperative pathology study as neoplastic disease.

Conclusion:

Tuberculosis is considered the great imitator, which is why abdominal tuberculosis diagnosis should be borne in mind when faced with a suspicious case, even when clinical presentation, imaging studies, and even intraoperative examination suggest ovarian cancer.