Fertility Sparing Surgery in Young Woman With Granulosa Cell Tumor Followed by a Successful Pregnancy

Abstract

An uncommon form of cancer known as a granulosa cell tumor (GCT) arises from ovarian sex cord cells that produce estrogen. The goal of conservative surgery in cancer is to retain organ functions while avoiding severe excision wherever possible. In oncologic gynecological surgery, fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) is a technique that tries to preserve the uterus and ovarian tissue. A 26-year-old woman with nulligravida presented with the main complaints of pain in the right iliac fossa for 10 to 15 days and fullness in the abdomen for one month, along with a change in appetite and noticeable weight loss. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed a large, well-defined, multiloculated, solid cystic mass with altered signal intensity. On exploratory laparotomy, an intraoperatively left ovarian cystic mass was seen. The ovarian mass was histopathologically diagnosed as a sex cord tumor of the ovary, with characteristics compatible with adult GCT. Disregarding the follow-up advice on discharge four months later, the patient conceived spontaneously and gave birth to a male child via emergency lower segment cesarean section. In GCTs that have not spread beyond the ovary or in people who have had relapses of the disease, FSS created the groundwork for conception and appeared safe. In the lack of any compelling supporting evidence, the line of care of terminal surgery should always be thoroughly discussed with the patient and advised for women after their families are complete.

Keywords: case report; fertility sparing surgery; granulosa cell tumour; successful pregnancy; young woman.

Figure 1. Ovarian cystic mass with smooth surface and intact capsule

Figure 2. Ovarian cyst mass

Figure 3. The cross-sectional cut of ovarian cyst

Figure 4. Histopathology of the ovarian mass showing sex cord tumor of the ovary