Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2003 May;46(5):1060-1063.

A Case Report Intravaginal Foregin Body Mimicking an Advanced Cervical Cancer

• Lee KM
• Lee EH
• Cho SW
• Joung TH
• Kim IH
• Kim SJ

Abstract

An intravaginal foreign body of long duration can lead to infection and ulceration. Foul-smelling, bloody vaginal discharge, and pelvic pain may indicate the presence of an intravaginal foreign body and symptoms may be referred to the bladder or rectum. But these clinical features are nonspecific and a number of diagnostic modalities may fail to detect the presence of the foreign body. Moreover, long-standing intravaginal foreign body may be difficult to distinguish from an advanced cervical cancer especially in uninformed cases. We present a case of a 41-year-old female who suffered from an aggravating chronic pelvic pain and malodorous dirty vaginal discharge. Initially the advanced cervix cancer complicated with recto-vaginal fistula was suspected. But results of repeated biopsies were benign and symptoms were improved by intravenous antibiotics. Finally the embedded foreign body in the posterior fornix was detected and successfully removed. It was proved as the grip of an umbrella. We concluded that a high index of suspicion is very important for the correct diagnosis of long-standing vaginal foreign body especially in uninformed cases.

Keyword

Foreign body; Vagina

MeSH Terms

Adult
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Biopsy
Diagnosis
Female
Fistula
Foreign Bodies
Hand Strength
Humans
Pelvic Pain
Rectum
Ulcer
Urinary Bladder
Uterine Cervical Neoplasms*
Vagina
Vaginal Discharge
Anti-Bacterial Agents