Steroid Cell Tumour - A Rare Cause of Hirsuitism in a Female

Abstract

AbstractSteroid cell tumours of the ovary account for < 0.1 % of all the ovarian tumours. It is a functioning sex cord stromal tumour. Previously designated as lipoid cell tumours, one-third of these tumours are considered malignant with the mean age of presentation at around 40 years. We present a case of 20 year old unmarried girl with regular cycles who came with sudden onset amenorrhea, hirsuitism, abdominal distension and signs of virilizationof 5 month duration and recent onset of dyspnea to Obstetrics and Gynaecology outpatient department. Moderate ascites was present. Clinical and radiological evaluation revealed a right adnexal mass with elevated serum testosterone. She was diagnosed with right ovarian benign functioning tumour and underwent right sapling oophorectomy. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis. 2 weeks post operatively her testosterone levels decreased. Surgery is the treatment of steroid cell tumours although medical therapy using Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone [GnRH] analogues has been tried recently in recurrent or inoperable cases.