Hormonally active gynecologic tumors

Abstract

Hormonally active gynecologic tumors include gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) and some of the primary ovarian tumors. The presenting symptoms in patients with these tumors are frequently related to their endocrine activity. The main hormone produced by gestational trophoblastic disease is human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and the main symptoms are those associated with a normal pregnancy, except they are frequently exaggerated. The endocrinally active ovarian tumors are mainly those of the sex-cord stromal group and these may produce any of the sex steroids (estrogens, androgens, or progestins). Some germ cell tumors of the ovary are hormonally active because they contain syncytio-trophoblastic cells which produce HCG. There are two specialized types of mature teratomas that are discussed: struma ovarii, which produce thyroid hormones, and carcinoids, which produce serotonin.