Sarcoidosis Presenting as an Intraperitoneal Mass

John V Brown; Howard D Epstein; Miles Chang; Bram H Goldstein

doi:10.1159/000271596

Sarcoidosis Presenting as an Intraperitoneal Mass

John V Brown, Howard D Epstein, Miles Chang, Bram H Goldstein

Case reports in oncology · 2010 · vol. 3(1) , pp. 9–13 · doi:10.1159/000271596 · PMID:20740151 · W2042913291

article OA: gold CC0 ⤵ 1 in-corpus citation

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⚙ AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-09 ⓘ

This case report describes a patient initially diagnosed with ovarian cancer who was ultimately found to have intraperitoneal sarcoidosis, highlighting its rarity and potential to mimic other conditions.

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis is an idiopathic, inflammatory condition primarily encountered within the lungs but very rarely identified in the peritoneum. Case Study: A 34-year-old woman presented with pleural effusion, ascites and an adnexal mass, indicative of ovarian cancer. RESULTS: A biopsy revealed granulomas and lymphocytic infiltrate, consistent with sarcoidosis. The patient's symptoms were resolved with corticosteroids. However, 2 years later, she developed another pelvic mass and underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy. Final pathology revealed granulomas and endometriosis, consistent with sarcoidosis. CONCLUSION: Since intraperitoneal sarcoidosis is extremely rare, the differential diagnosis is unlikely to include this condition in the context of presumptive ovarian cancer. However, in patients with a history of sarcoidosis, physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion to effectuate early detection and provide appropriate treatment.