Type of publication:
Conference abstract
Author(s):
*Huda N.-U.; *Chai A.C.; *Sahu B.
Citation:
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Conference: BGCS 2026 Book of Abstracts. Bristol United Kingdom. 133(Supplement 2) (pp S40-S41), 2026. Date of Publication: 01 Jun 2026.
Abstract:
Background: Ovarian steroid cell tumours (SCTs) are rare sex cord-stromal neoplasms (<0.1% of ovarian tumours). Most secrete androgens causing virilisation, but up to 40% are nonfunctional and discovered incidentally. Their variable presentation and overlapping histology make diagnosis challenging. Objective(s): To describe two cases of non-virilising ovarian SCTs managed at our institution, review their management, and contextualise findings within the current literature. Method(s): We report two patients diagnosed with nonfunctional ovarian SCTs. Case 1: a 77-year-old woman with an incidental left ovarian mass; Case 2: a 56-year-old woman presenting with postmenopausal bleeding and right ovarian mass. Both underwent surgical excision. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry (inhibin, calretinin, Melan-A) confirmed diagnosis. Patients were followed with imaging, tumour markers, and hormonal assays. A literature review of major series and molecular insights was conducted.
Result(s): Case 1 had a large (16 x 10 cm) left-sided tumour, FIGO stage IA, with no malignant features. Case 2 had a smaller (5.5 x 4 cm) right-sided tumour, FIGO stage IC2, with capsular invasion. Both patients had uneventful recoveries and remain recurrence-free on long-term surveillance. Literature review highlights the heterogeneity of SCTs, with non-functional tumours comprising ~40% of cases, generally presenting at early stages, and showing favourable outcomes with surgery alone. Histologic predictors of malignancy include tumour size >= 7 cm, mitotic activity, necrosis, and atypia. Molecular data suggest potential links with VHL, FH, and APC mutations, but prognostic markers remain limited. Conclusion(s): Non-functional ovarian SCTs may present incidentally and are often cured with surgery. Accurate diagnosis relies on histology and immunohistochemistry, and lifelong follow-up is recommended due to unpredictable malignant potential.
DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.70281
