Fine-needle aspiration cytology of ovarian steroid cell tumor: A rare case report

Abstract

Steroid cell tumors (SCTs) of the ovary are a rare subgroup of sex cord tumors that account for less than 0.1% of all ovarian tumors. These tumors can produce steroids, especially testosterone, which produces symptoms such as hirsutism, amenorrhea/oligomenorrhea, and male patterned voice. For evaluation of the androgen excess, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) are the first laboratory tests to be measured. Abdominal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are useful radiologic imaging techniques. Although SCTs are generally benign, the risk of malignant transformation is always present. Surgical excision of tumor is the most important and hallmark treatment. The present case signifies the early preoperative diagnosis of a virilizing SCT, based on cytological features and its careful correlation with clinicopathological and radiological findings.

Keywords

• Androgen; cytology; ovary; sex cord; steroid cell tumor (SCT)