Giant Fibroid Mimicking a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Abstract

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign pelvic tumors in females of the reproductive age group. Usually, fibroids are confined to the uterus. Here, we report an interesting and rare case of a large 17 cm abdominopelvic mass lesion that led to a diagnostic dilemma between a mesenteric gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and a uterine fibroid. We had a 26-year-old female who underwent an ultrasound examination of the abdomen as the initial imaging modality and was found to have an abnormally large solid abdominopelvic mass lesion. For further evaluation, a contrast-enhanced CT examination of the abdomenpelvis was done. Initially, on first look, the mass was thought to be of mesenteric origin, but on further review of images, it was found to be of gynecological origin. Intraoperatively, the solid mass was seen attached to the uterine fundus and underwent excision. Histopathological examination confirmed the mass to be a uterine fibroid. This case study describes the uncommon appearance of this tumor in a young woman, including the clinical presentation, imaging, and surgical findings.