Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Mimicking Ovarian Malignancy: A Diagnostic Challenge

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a significant global health issue, affecting around 133 per 1 lakh people (2022). The global incidence rate increased by 3.6% from 2020 to 2021, reversing a previous trend of about 2% annual reduction over the last two decades. Genital TB usually arises from lymphohematogenous dissemination from pelvic lymph nodes, initially involving the outer surface of the ovaries. Isolated primary ovarian TB is a very rare form of GTB.

Ovarian cancer, frequently referred to as the “silent killer,” is among the leading causes of gynecological cancer-related deaths globally, due to subtle and non-specific symptoms that can mimic abdominal TB..