Over 80 % of ovarian cancer diagnoses are in women aged over 50 years. Post-menopausal women are at significantly increased risk compared with other age groups. Tumour biomarkers and ultrasound assist with diagnostics. A post-menopausal woman was referred with a possible left adnexal cyst on ultrasound. A tertiary gynaecological ultrasound suggested bilateral hydrosalpinges without cysts. Tumour markers were negative. Unexpectedly, while undergoing a laparoscopy, the tubes were normal in appearance; however, multiple cystic deposits suspicious for malignancy were noted on the ovaries. A laparoscopic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed without spillage and pelvic washings obtained. On histopathology, the ovaries contained multiple, benign epithelial cysts and pelvic washings were negative. This case demonstrates an unanticipated peri-operative diagnostic dilemma. It highlights the surgical management decisions required to balance duty of care and consent compliance within the scope of general gynaecology. It emphasizes the importance of histopathological examination to confirm diagnoses.
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