Ovarian fibrothecoma

Last revised by Ashesh Ishwarlal Ranchod on 24 Sep 2023

Ovarian fibrothecomas comprise tumors in the spectrum of ovarian sex cord / stromal tumors where there are components of both an ovarian fibroma and an ovarian thecoma

Most occur in adult women, with ~66% in postmenopausal women. Although they account for ~1% of all ovarian tumors 5, they are the most common benign solid ovarian tumor. It represents <2% of pediatric ovarian tumors.

The thecoma component of a fibrothecoma can secrete estrogen, and the patient may present with abnormal vaginal bleeding and endometrial hyperplasia.

These tumors have a variable amount of both fibrous tissue (see ovarian fibroma) and thecal cells (see ovarian thecoma). 

They may be seen as a homogeneous hypoechoic mass with posterior acoustic shadowing, although in most cases the sonographic appearance is nonspecific.

The vast majority (~80%) of ovarian fibrothecomas appear as solid masses with a delayed accumulation of contrast medium. On dynamic CT, there is an absence of arterial vessels and absence or slight early uptake of contrast enhancement 3. Calcification may be present and, as these tumors enlarge, myxoid or cystic degeneration may occur, resulting in a heterogeneous pattern 4.

Reported signal characteristics include 1:

  • T1: typically shows homogeneous low signal intensity

  • T2

    • lesions show predominantly homogeneous low signal intensity (from fibrous components)

    • scattered high signal areas may be present, representing areas of cystic degeneration +/- edema

Most cases are benign and surgical resection is curative.

Fibrothecomas are at risk for adnexal torsion, particularly with large tumors 4. As with pure ovarian fibromas, Meigs syndrome may complicate ~1% of cases.

Consider other forms of ovarian tumors (especially fibrous components such as ovarian fibroma).

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.