Hepatic metastasis in granulosa cell tumor of the ovary

Hepatic metastases occur rarely in epithelial ovarian carcinoma and also appear to be unusual in malignant stromal tumors of the ovary (granulosa cell tumors). Recently two patients with extensive hepatic metastasis from this primary tumor, were treated. Review of the experience at the City of Hope National Medical Center provided three additional patients with a confirmed diagnosis of granulosa cell tumor of the ovary, one of whom is alive and disease-free. A review of clinical and pathologic data revealed that both of the other patients died of their disease and had hepatic metastases proven at autopsy. Hemorrhagic events complicating the clinical course of these patients were frequent. It is believed that the frequency of hepatic metastasis in granulosa cell tumor of the ovary may be higher than has been appreciated in the past, and that the cystic-hemorrhagic nature of these lesions contributes to the morbidity and mortality associated with granulosa cell tumors of the ovary.