Sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovary treated with 2-incision total laparoscopic cystectomy

Imaging characteristics of ovarian sclerosing stromal tumor

Objectives

This study was designed to evaluate the specific imaging features of ovarian sclerosing stromal tumor (SST), improve its accuracy as well as the specificity of imaging diagnosing, and prevent overestimation of malignancy to reduce unnecessary surgical procedures.

Methods

Eight patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and six with computed tomography (CT) images were analyzed in this retrospective observational study. All the cases were confirmed by postoperative pathological examination as those of ovarian SST. Imaging and pathological features were also evaluated.

Results

All the 14 masses displayed cystic and solid components with outer surface of tumors contained a capsular and complete smooth rim. Eight tumors of MRI exhibited “lake-island” sign on T2 weighted imaging (T2WI). Two of the 6 CT cases displayed a flaky calcification. One case showed as a multiloculated cystic mass with irregularly thickened septae and the tumor wall. The solid components in other 13 masses were comb- or wheel-like enhanced. After injection of contrast agent, the solid components in 8 cases (57.1%) appeared as early enhancement, whereas the other 6 cases (42.9%) appeared as progressive enhanced, and the cystic components of all the cases had no enhancement in the whole course. Vascular flow signals or/and marked enhancement of the blood vessels were found in 12 lesions (85.7%). Pathological examination demonstrated pseudolobule patterns, round to spindle shaped cells, collagenous areas, edematous hypocellular areas and prominent vasculatures.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that MRI with “lake-island” signs on T2WI and MRI/CT dynamic enhancement could potentially play a critical role in facilitating appropriate diagnosis preoperatively.

Minimally Invasive Ovarian-Preserving Approach for the Management of a Sclerosing Stromal Tumor in an Adolescent: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

Sclerosing stromal tumors (SSTs) are rare benign ovarian tumors that occur in adolescents and young adults. They are often treated with unilateral salpingo-oopherectomy due to concern for malignancy.

CASE

A 13-year-old postpubertal female presented with sharp, constant abdominal pain with physical exam concerning for a lower abdominal mass. An ultrasound revealed a 9.7-cm solid, heterogenous left ovarian mass. The abdomen and pelvis CT confirmed the findings and showed a predominantly cystic mass arising from the left adnexa. During surgery, a smooth and distinct mass arising from the left ovary was encountered without abnormal findings in surrounding structures. A cystectomy was performed, and intraoperative findings showed no evidence of malignancy. Based on the lab, imaging, and surgical findings, staging and salpingo-oopherectomy were not pursued.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Given the benign nature of SSTs, it is important to entertain the diagnosis in adolescents presenting with clinically congruent ovarian masses. The minimally invasive approach allows for sparing of the ovary in the adolescent population.

Sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovary: a case series and review of literature

Sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovary is a rare benign sex-cord stromal tumor that affects primarily young females. In a series of six patients (mean 24,6, median 19 years) findings of six MRIs and one CT were analyzed. Unilateral tumors ranging from 6 to 8 cm were found in all patients. The tumors were well encapsulated and polylobulated. The morphology was mixed solid and cystic in three and solid in three patients. In CT, a hypervascular tumor with centripetal enhancement was seen. In MRI T₂ weighted imaging showed low signal intensity of the solid tissue in all cases and low diffusion-weighted imaging signal of the solid tissue in high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging in three patients. Contrast enhancement was avid with extension from the periphery in all patients. Knowledge of these distinct radiological features of sclerosing stromal tumor is important, as in the Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System risk classification system this may be scored as Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System 5. Because of its non-aggressive clinical course, pre-operative imaging assists to avoid unnecessary extensive surgery and to preserve the patient’s fertility by only resecting the tumor and preserving the ovary. Sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovary presents pathognomonic features in MRI that allow a specific pre-operative diagnosis and selecting candidates for fertility-sparing surgery.

Sclerosing Stromal Tumor of the Ovary: A Successful Laparoscopic Approach

Sclerosing stromal tumors (SSTs) are a rare type of benign tumors of the ovary, representing 6% of sex cord tumors subtype. We report a case of SSTs affecting a young female patient presenting with abdominal pain and a pelvic mass on imaging examination. The patient underwent laparoscopic right salpingo-oophorectomy, and the pathology report confirmed the diagnosis of SSTs. A review of the literature with the typical pathological and imaging features of SSTs as well their management is performed.