Struma Ovarii: Single Center Experience

Struma ovarii (SO) accounts for approximately 1% of all ovarian tumors. The objective of our study is to contribute to the treatment algorithm by presenting our clinical experience in a comprehensive case series of patients diagnosed with SO, predominantly characterized by thyroid tissue within a monodermal teratoma.

Patients aged 17 years and older who underwent surgery due to ovarian masses and were histopathologically diagnosed with SO between January 2012 and January 2022 were included in the study. The patients' files were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, presenting complaints, radiological findings, tumor sizes, laboratory data, surgical procedures performed, pathology reports, additional treatments, and follow-up information were recorded.

The median age of total 19 patients was 41.7 (17-74) years. Among them, malignant struma ovarii was present in 3 patients. In patients with histopathologically confirmed benign struma ovarii, no additional treatment was administered after tumor enucleation. In malignant cases, in addition to unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, total thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation, and L-Thyroxine suppression were performed. No mortality occurred during the follow-up period.

Although conservative treatments are considered acceptable treatment in cases of benign struma ovarii, the management of cases with malignant struma ovarii is controversial. Fertility-sparing surgery followed by postoperative adjuvant thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine ablation may be preferred for young women.