From Diagnosis to Recovery: A Story of Strength and Timely Treatment

In September 2020, a 43-year-old woman from Surabaya, Indonesia, sought medical care after noticing abdominal enlargement for three months. She had three children, normal menstrual cycles, and no significant bowel issues.

An ultrasound revealed a large unilocular cystic mass (>25 cm) with a solid nodule, though no ascites was detected. Due to financial limitations, a CT scan was not performed. Her tumor markers (CA-125 and CEA) were within normal limits, and a chest X-ray showed no abnormalities.

One week later, she underwent surgery at a local hospital. Frozen section analysis—which helps determine malignancy during surgery—was unavailable, as is the case in many hospitals in Indonesia. A laparotomy was performed, revealing a huge left ovarian mass (30×28×14 cm, 9700 g). Total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and omentectomy were completed, and her condition remained stable throughout the 75-minute procedure.

Pathological examination confirmed seromucinous adenocarcinoma (grade II) of the left ovary with metastasis to the omentum. Fortunately, the right ovary and uterus remained unaffected. Following surgery, the patient underwent six cycles of chemotherapy (paclitaxel-carboplatin regimen).

Despite the advanced stage and metastasis, the patient responded well to chemotherapy. As of her two-year follow-up, there has been no evidence of disease (NED), highlighting the importance of early intervention and appropriate treatment.