Ovarian benign sex cord-stromal tumors: Clinical and ultrasound features

Abstract

Ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors are a heterogeneous group of benign or malignant gynecological neoplasms that account for 5–10 % of all ovarian tumors, comprising 2 % of all primary malignant ovarian cancers. Their frequency is similar throughout the world and may appear in any age group, but they are more common in the fourth and fifth decades of life. The sex cord-stromal group includes tumors of mesenchymal (have been called mesenchymomas) and mesonephric origin. Some of these tumors, namely, fibromas and thecomas, have a fibrous appearance, and some appear to be derived from the granulosa cells or their testicular sex cord counterparts, the Leydig and Sertoli cells. These tumors have been described at ultrasonography with several imaging findings and can be found as well- defined solid or multilocular cystic adnexal masses with centrally located, multiple, round or cleft-like cysts. In this chapter the ultrasonographic characteristics of the ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors will be described.