Is granulosa cell tumor of the ovary malignant?
Ovarian granulosa cell tumor (GCT) is a malignant tumor with slow progression. The recurrence of granulosa cell tumor often happens after 5 years, leading to a ‘forgotten tumor’ by the patient.
What is a granulosa cell tumor of the ovary?
Granulosa cell tumor of the ovary is a rare type of ovarian cancer that accounts for approximately 2% of all ovarian tumors. This type of tumor is known as a sex cord-stromal tumor and usually occurs in adults. Granulosa cell tumors of the ovary cause higher than normal levels of estrogen in a woman’s body.
Is granulosa cell tumor curable?
Surgery is the primary treatment modality for granulosa cell tumors. Advanced stage and presence of residual disease were associated with inferior survival, but only prospective studies can ascertain their definite role.
Is granulosa cell tumor benign or malignant?
Adult granulosa cell tumor (GCT) is a rare ovarian malignancy having good prognosis in comparison with other epithelial tumors.
Can granulosa cell tumors spread?
Although most recurrences are within 10 years after the initial diagnosis, there are reports of recurrence after 10 years. So, patients should be kept on a long-term follow-up protocol even if the primary tumor is occult. Spread is largely within the pelvis and the lower abdomen.
Are granulosa cell tumors genetic?
Despite the fact that rare autosomal disorders are associated with the development of granulosa cell tumors, there is no known genetic predisposition that is specific for AGCT. To date, there has been only one reported case of a family in which both mother and daughter were diagnosed with a granulosa cell tumor [13].
Are granulosa cell tumors hereditary?
Adult granulosa cell tumors can occur in familial clusters and could potentially be hereditary. We did not identify an overlapping genetic variant or affected genetic locus that may explain a genetic predisposition for AGCT in the four investigated families.
Where do granulosa cell tumors metastasize to?
Spread is largely within the pelvis and the lower abdomen. Distant metastases are rare with few reported cases of lung, liver, brain, bone, diaphragm, abdominal wall, adrenal gland and supraclavicular lymph node metastasis from ovarian tumors.
What stimulates granulosa cells?
The sex steroid production begins with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the anterior pituitary, stimulating granulosa cells to convert androgens (coming from the thecal cells) to estradiol by aromatase during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.
What is the role of granulosa cells in the ovarian cycle?
Granulosa cells of the ovulatory follicle are the major and virtually only source of estradiol in the follicular phase of the ovarian cycle and secrete estrogens in response to FSH. Until about the middle of the follicular phase LH receptors are found only in cells of the theca interna and the stroma.
Where are granulosa cells located?
primordial ovarian follicle
Granulosa cells form a single layer around the OOCYTE in the primordial ovarian follicle and advance to form a multilayered cumulus oophorus surrounding the OVUM in the Graafian follicle. The major functions of granulosa cells include the production of steroids and LH receptors (RECEPTORS, LH).
What do granulosa cells do?
Granulosa cells form a single layer around the mammalian oocyte in the primordial ovarian follicle and advance to form a multilayered cumulus oophorus surrounding the ovum in the Graafian follicle. The major functions of granulosa cells include the production of steroids and LH receptors.
Are Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors of the ovary cancer?
Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors are a cancer that starts in the female ovaries. The cancer cells produce and release a male sex hormone which may cause the development of male physical characteristics ( virilization ), including facial hair and a deep voice. [1]
What causes ovarian cancer?
Causes. It’s not clear what causes ovarian cancer, though doctors have identified factors that can increase the risk of the disease. In general, cancer begins when a cell develops errors (mutations) in its DNA. The mutations tell the cell to grow and multiply quickly, creating a mass (tumor) of abnormal cells.
What is a tumor on the ovary?
Ovarian tumors, or ovarian neoplasms, are tumors arising from the ovary. They can be benign or malignant (ovarian cancer). A benign tumor of the ovary, discovered during a C-section; this is a 4 cm teratoma.