Steroid cell tumor of the ovary in an adolescent: a rare case report

Abstract

Steroid cell tumors (SCTs) of the ovary are a rare subgroup of sex cord tumors, account for less than 0.1% of all ovarian tumors, and also will present at any age. These tumors can produce steroids, especially testosterone, and may give symptoms like hirsutism, hair loss, amenorrhea, or oligomenorrhea. For the evaluation of androgen excess, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) are the first laboratory tests to be measured. A pelvic ultrasound and a magnetic resonance imaging are useful radiologic imaging techniques. Although steroid cell tumors are generally benign, there is a risk of malignant transformation and clinical malignant formation. Surgery is the most important and hallmark treatment.

Figure 1

The tumoral mass has a yellow cut surface.

Figure 2

Cells with spongy cytoplasm focally separated by fibrous bands. No mitotic activity was seen.

Figure 3

Diffuse membranous positivity with inhibin immunostaining.

Figure 4

Diffuse cytoplasmic and nuclear positivity with calretinin immunostaining (×20).