Primary Ovarian Rhabdomyosarcoma: A Case Report

Background: Ovarian cancer is the second most common female genital tract cancer in Nigeria. The prognosis is usually poor due to late presentation. Objective: The objective of this case report is to present a case of rhabdomyosarcoma of the ovaries a very rare type of malignant ovarian tumour in children. Method: This is a case report of a thirteen year old girl who presented with abdominal swelling. Ultrasound examination revealed ascitis and bilateral enlargement of both ovaries. The findings were confirmed at laparotomy. Bilateral ovariectomy was done. Histology report showed rhabdomyosarcoma of the ovaries. Post operatively the patient presented with metastatic deposits to the spine. She could not afford chemotherapy or radiotherapy and died ninety three days after presentation. Conclusion: A rare ovarian malignancy has been reported. Treatment was inadequate largely because of poverty and delay in obtaining a histology report. A plea is made for increased training of, pathologists and oncologists and for free treatment of malignancies in the third world Key Words: Rhabdomyosarcoma, ovary, child