Ovarian cystadenofibroma

Last revised by Ammar Ashraf on 4 Dec 2022

Ovarian cystadenofibromas are a relatively uncommon benign epithelial ovarian tumor where the fibrous stroma remains a dominant component of the neoplasm. As a group, they are thought to represent ~1.7 % of all benign ovarian tumors 3.

Lesions can be bilateral in ~15% of cases. Although generally classified as an epithelial tumor, a cystadenofibroma contains both epithelial and stromal components.

Recognized histological subtypes include 3,5:

Almost all cystadenofibromas are predominantly cystic on ultrasound with septations seen in ~30% of cases. Papillary projections or solid nodules have been sonographically seen in just over 50% of cases. Vascularization can be present in just under 50% of cases with a typical pattern of peripheral vascularization with scattered vessels of high blood flow impedance 9.

They can have either a pure cystic or complex cystic pattern with the solid components having a nodular or trabecular pattern 3.

  • T2: due to the stromal components the fibrous septa often have low signal while the cystic components can have high signal; this may give a "black sponge" like appearance 7
  • T1 C+ (Gd): septated component may show moderate enhancement 8

They generally tend to be benign tumors although the degree of epithelial proliferation and its relation to the stromal component of the tumor can be used for their classification as benign, borderline or malignant 5.

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