Incidental Ovarian Paraganglioma in a 62-Year-Old Woman: A Case Report of Diagnostic Challenge and Surgical Management

Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors originating from chromaffin cells of the neural crest. While they typically occur in the adrenal medulla as pheochromocytomas or along the sympathetic and parasympathetic chains, paragangliomas in the female genital tract are exceptionally uncommon. This report presents a case of a large right ovarian paraganglioma in a 62-year-old woman with a medical history of hypertension and diabetes. She presented with abdominal pain and fever, which led to a diagnosis of appendicitis, though an unexpected adnexal mass was discovered during surgery. Histological analysis confirmed the tumor as a paraganglioma, with no signs of malignancy. The patient had an uncomplicated recovery and was discharged within four days. Ovarian paragangliomas pose diagnostic challenges due to their rarity and the potential overlap of histological features with other clear-cell ovarian tumors. Despite the generally benign nature of ovarian paragangliomas, their potential for malignancy warrants complete surgical resection and long-term follow-up. This case emphasizes the importance of recognizing paragangliomas in atypical locations, aiding in timely diagnosis and appropriate management.