Giant Ovarian Tumors in Young Women: Diagnostic and Treatment Challenges-A Report of Two Cases and Narrative Review of the Recent Literature

Background: Ovarian cysts (OCs) are a common gynecological issue, with approximately 20% of women developing at least one pelvic mass during their lifetime. The incidence of large ovarian cysts has decreased substantially due to regular gynecological screenings. However, giant ovarian tumors still continue to pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Methods: We report two cases of giant ovarian tumors (GOTs). Case 1 involves a 17-year-old woman who presented with a 2-year history of gradual abdominal enlargement, accompanied by repeated attempts at weight reduction. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a large tumor. It was excised by laparotomy. Histopathologic examination revealed ovarian cystadenofibroma. Case 2 presents a 25-year-old female who had a 3-month history of progressive, severe abdominal distension and weight gain, accompanied by nausea and diarrhea. CT imaging revealed a giant cystic neoplasm. The cyst was removed by laparotomy. The histopathological study revealed the intestinal-endocervical mucinous borderline tumor. In this context, we performed a narrative literature review, including cases of giant ovarian tumors in young women over the past five years. We centered on diagnoses and management in these cases. Results: The surgical management of both cases was successful, with complete tumor excision and favorable postoperative outcomes. hese cases underscore the importance of including giant ovarian tumors in the differential diagnosis of young women presenting with progressive abdominal distension. The narrative review analyzed 39 relevant publications on the management of giant ovarian tumors in young women. Conclusions: It is important to highlight a possible risk of malignancy, and risk of fatal complications during the surgical removal of giant ovarian cysts (GOCs). To ensure safer and more successful outcomes, multidisciplinary care should be provided. The early detection and diagnosis of OCs are challenging, as patients may not seek medical attention until the tumor has become large enough to cause symptoms. It is crucial to raise awareness among family doctors and other primary care providers (PCPs) regarding OCs to ensure optimal diagnostic and therapeutic management and improve the outcomes for patients with OCs.