Virilizing Malignant Steroid Cell Tumor: Leydig Cell Subtype in a 24-Year-Old Palestinian Female
April 2023
in “
Research Square (Research Square)
”
TLDR A 24-year-old woman had a rare ovarian tumor that caused male-pattern hair growth and was hard to diagnose and treat.
A 24-year-old Palestinian female presented with male-pattern facial hair growth, abdominal cramps, and an irregular menstrual cycle, which did not improve with oral contraceptive pills. Imaging revealed a large pelvic mass, and hormonal studies indicated elevated dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and cortisol levels. Despite initial diagnosis and treatment for a steroid cell tumor-not otherwise specified, including unsuccessful unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and four cycles of BEP chemotherapy, her condition progressed. Further review identified the tumor as a Leydig cell subtype, but even after six cycles of carboplatin-paclitaxel, the disease progressed. This case underscores the importance of considering ovarian steroid cell tumors in the differential diagnosis of virilization and the challenges in diagnosing and treating this rare condition. The case is notable for being the first reported in a Palestinian patient and for the difficulties encountered in reaching an accurate diagnosis and finding an effective treatment.
