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Updated: Sep 22, 2025
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Author Spotlight: Advancing Human Ovarian Repair and Cancer Studies with Surface Epithelium Organoids
Published on: August 16, 2024
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Virilization by an Ovarian Tumor: Presentation Is Not Always Acute
Amanda Tjitro1, Debra A Wong1,2,3, Adnan Ajmal2,4
1The University of Arizona, Phoenix, USA.
Summary
Rare androgen-producing ovarian tumors can cause infertility and virilization. Surgical removal of these steroid cell tumors (SCTs) can resolve symptoms and restore fertility, as shown in this case study.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Gynecologic Oncology
Background:
- Androgen-producing steroid cell ovarian tumors (SCTs) are rare neoplasms, accounting for <1% of ovarian tumors.
- These tumors can manifest with significant hyperandrogenic symptoms, including infertility and virilization.
Observation:
- A 28-year-old woman presented with a 2-year history of infertility, hirsutism, and clitoromegaly.
- Elevated serum testosterone and a left ovarian mass were detected.
Findings:
- Pathology confirmed a steroid cell tumor, not otherwise specified (NOS), without malignant features.
- Post-oophorectomy, the patient's hyperandrogenic symptoms resolved, testosterone normalized within 6 months, and she achieved spontaneous conception.
Implications:
- Hyperandrogenism in reproductive-aged women warrants investigation for androgen-producing ovarian tumors.
- Diagnosis requires thorough hormonal evaluation and tumor histology.
- Treatment strategies, including unilateral oophorectomy, should prioritize fertility preservation and be guided by tumor characteristics.
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