Abstract
Steroid 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.
Keywords
Ascites - Hirsuitism - Virilisation - Tumours - Ovary
