Dermatomyositis as a presenting symptom of ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: Among gynecologic malignancies, the coexistence of ovarian cancer and dermatomyositis is most frequent.

CASE: A 75-year-old woman presented with dermatomyositis, and a search for underlying malignancy found an otherwise asymptomatic ovarian carcinoma with para-aortic lymph node metastases. After resection and chemotherapy, the muscle weakness and skin lesions relating to dermatomyositis began to improve.

CONCLUSION: Dermatomyositis can be the only presenting symptom of ovarian cancer, so an evaluation for suspected underlying malignancy should be done.