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Virilizing Ovarian Steroid Cell Tumor: A Rare Case
Aishwarya Bettegowda1, Nagarathnamma Rangaiah2, Nagendra Prasad3
1Post-Graduate, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rajarajeswari Medical College , Bangalore, Karnataka, India .
Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research : JCDR
|October 27, 2015
Summary
This case study highlights a rare ovarian steroid cell tumor in a 38-year-old woman presenting with virilization. Surgical removal confirmed the diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of considering these tumors in women with such symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Ovarian steroid cell tumors are rare, accounting for less than 5% of sex-cord stromal tumors and 0.1% of all ovarian tumors.
- These tumors typically affect women in their mid-20s but can occur at any age.
Observation:
- A 38-year-old multiparous woman presented with secondary amenorrhea and clinical signs of virilization over 5 years.
- Elevated serum testosterone levels (115 ng/dL) and a left adnexal solid mass on imaging suggested a virilizing ovarian tumor.
Findings:
- Laparoscopic left salpingo-oophorectomy was performed.
- Histopathology confirmed a steroid cell tumor (Not Otherwise Specified) of the ovary, characterized by nests of cells with atypical nuclei and vacuolated to eosinophilic cytoplasm, replacing ovarian tissue.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering ovarian steroid cell tumors in the differential diagnosis of virilization in women, regardless of age.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical management are crucial for effective treatment and patient outcomes.
- Post-operative monitoring of serum testosterone levels is essential to ensure complete tumor removal and detect recurrence.
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