Giant ovarian cyst and sociocultural factors in disease progression: A case report and review of literature

Abstract

Background: Ovarian tumours are reported to be the fifth most common cause of death in the female population, and numerous factors are known to facilitate the development of ovarian tumours. While ovarian cysts/tumours in women especially of reproductive age group is common, giant ovarian cysts/tumours are rare. This study aims to report a case of giant ovarian mass and the contributions of sociocultural factors in disease progression as seen in a private gynaecologic referral centre in Port Harcourt in year 2025. Case presentation:A 46-year-old Para 1 married but separated, who presented with a 2-year history of progressive abdominal swelling. There was associated oligomenorrhoea and weight loss. Abdominal ultrasound scan was suggestive of ovarian cyst but she doubted the results believing she was pregnant. There was a rapid increase in the size of the mass necessitating her presentation to our facility. The significant examination findings were markedly distended, firm and non-tender, abdomen, with exaggerated abdominal girth that measured 35cm. A multi-specialty team care approach was adopted. The encapsulated tumor was delivered intact without any spillage of its content and weighed 20.5kg, and the outcome was satisfactory. Conclusion: A complex web of sociocultural and economic challenges contributed to the “giantness” of this tumour, as evidenced by patient’s belief system, the quality of the society and its health system. A resetting of systemic factors by way of regulatory roles in the society and its health system is therefore strongly advocated.