Steroid cell tumour, not otherwise specified: Rare case with primary amenorrhoea in a 16-year-old

Ovarian steroid cell tumors, not otherwise specified: analysis of nine cases with a literature review

BACKGROUND

Ovarian steroid cell tumors (SCTs), not otherwise specified (NOS), are rare, with few large studies. The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical features, prognosis, and treatment choices for these patients of different age groups.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study. We identified nine cases of ovarian steroid cell tumor, not otherwise specified, confirmed by post-operative histopathological examination, and analyzed clinical features, surgical procedures, and follow up outcomes. We also reviewed cases reports of ovarian steroid cell tumors, not otherwise specified.

RESULTS

A total of nine cases were included. The age range was 9-68 years (mean, 41.89 ± 19.72 years). Clinical features included virilization, amenorrhea, abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, isosexual precocious puberty, Cushing's syndrome, and abnormal weight gain with elevated testosterone levels. The follow up interval ranged 5-53 months and no recurrence was observed.

CONCLUSION

Ovarian steroid cell tumors covered all age groups, with manifestations of androgen excess. Younger patients appeared to have a more favorable prognosis, which provided more opportunities for these patients to pursue treatment options that will preserve reproductive function.

Successful laparoscopic resection of virilizing ovarian steroid cell tumor, not otherwise specified, in a 22-year-old woman: a case report and evaluation of the steroidogenic pathway

OBJECTIVE

Ovarian steroid cell tumor (SCT) is a rare tumor with steroid-producing ability. We report a 22-year-old woman with secondary amenorrhea and hirsutism caused by an ovarian SCT-not otherwise specified (NOS), who underwent successfully laparoscopic resection of the tumor.

CASE REPORT

A 22-year-old null gravida woman presented to a hospital, having amenorrhea for 18 months and increasing facial hair. Physical examination revealed obesity (body mass index, 37.3 kg/m²) with evident facial and trunk hair. Total and free serum testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels were found to be elevated. Levels of serum adrenocorticotropic hormone, gonadotropins, cortisol, aldosterone, and ovarian steroids were observed to be within reference intervals. Although polycystic ovaries were not found, a hyperechogenic solid tumor (3 cm) was detected on transvaginal ultrasonography. Laparoscopic resection of the tumor was performed. One month post-surgery, total and free testosterone levels were observed to have decreased, and menstruation resumed two months thereafter. The patient was histologically diagnosed with ovarian SCT-NOS. Expression of ovarian steroidogenic enzymes, which are related to hyperandrogenism, was observed. No disease recurrence has been reported for more than 5 years post-surgery.