Granulosa Cell Tumors of the Ovary: Retrospective Analysis of 17 Cases

Abstract

Background: Granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are rare neoplasms with a relatively favorable prognosis. They are characterized by a prolonged history and a tendency to late recurrences. It is the most common type of sex cord-stromal tumors. Aims: To analyze, to report and to better understand the clinico-pathologic features and results of treatment, and prognostic factors of these tumors. Materials and Methods: A retrospective single-institutional review 17 cases of GCTs were treated in National Cancer Institute—Cairo University from January 2010 till December 2014. The clinical and pathological characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of patients with ovarian GCTs were analyzed. Results: Data from 17 patients were obtained. The med ian age was 54 years (range; 14 - 72). Abdominal pain was the most common presentation (64.7%). The mean tumor size was 14 cm (range; 7 - 23 cm). The majority of our patients were stage I (n = 11; 64.7%), while (n = 3; 17.6%) had stage III and (n = 2, 11.8%) were stage IV. Only one case (5.9%) had an unknown stage (explored outside NCI). The majority of cases were of adult type disease (n = 14) and low grade pathology (n = 10). In follow-up period (median = 42 months; ranging 9 - 60) three patients relapsed; the median overall survival time was not reached yet, however, the estimated 3-year survival was 72.5%. Conclusion: Granulosa cell tumors are rare neoplasms of the ovaries. They progress slowly and often are diagnosed in an early stage. Surgery is the main line of treatment. Prolonged post-therapeutic follow-up is necessary. Definition of proper prognostic factors is mandatory.