What question did this study set out to answer?

To highlight a rare case of an androgen-secreting ovarian steroid cell tumor presenting as signs of PCOS in a young woman.

April 28, 2026Open Access

Hidden Behind PCOS: An Androgen-Secreting Ovarian Steroid Cell Tumor in a Young Woman

Key Points

To highlight a rare case of an androgen-secreting ovarian steroid cell tumor presenting as signs of PCOS in a young woman.
Clinical evaluation of symptoms including irregular menses and hyperandrogenism.
Imaging studies to identify ovarian mass.
Laparoscopic cystectomy followed by histopathological evaluation.
Histopathological evaluation confirmed a steroid cell tumor not otherwise specified (SCT-NOS).
Patient had markedly elevated serum testosterone levels.
Postoperative recovery was uneventful with discharge on day three.

Abstract

Ovarian steroid cell tumors are rare sex-cord stromal tumors, representing less than 0.1% of all ovarian tumors. They frequently produce steroid hormones and present with endocrine manifestations such as hirsutism, virilization, and menstrual irregularities. We report a case of a 21-year-old unmarried woman presenting with irregular menses and clinical hyper-androgenism. Imaging revealed a right ovarian mass, and serum testosterone was markedly elevated. Laparoscopic cystectomy was performed, and histopathological evaluation confirmed a steroid cell tumor, not otherwise specified (SCT-NOS). The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged on postoperative day three. This case highlights the importance of considering androgen-secreting ovarian tumors in young women presenting with virilization and elevated testosterone levels predominantly in cases of PCOS.

Hidden Behind PCOS: An Androgen-Secreting Ovarian Steroid Cell Tumor in a Young Woman

Key Points

Abstract

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