Ovarian cancers that are not on the surface of the ovary (the epithelium) make up around 1 in 5 ovarian cancers. Sex cord-stromal cancers start from the hormone-producing ovarian ‘cortical stroma’. They aren’t very common and are usually slow growing.
Who gets these tumours?
These tumours happen to women and people with ovaries at any age, and people often present with hormone-related symptoms.
How common are these tumours?
Benign (non-cancerous) stromal tumours make up 0.5% to 3.7% of all benign ovarian tumours. Sex cord-stroma tumours are the fifth most common type of cancerous ovarian tumour and make up around 5-8% of all ovarian cancer diagnoses.
What are the symptoms?
Women with a pure stromal tumour have similar symptoms to epithelial ovarian cancer – abdominal or pelvic pain. When imaged or examined a mass is usually present. For some, there may be age-specific symptoms, such as early puberty in children or abnormal bleeding after the menopause.
Granulosa cell tumours
Granulosa cell tumours have at least 10% of the tumour being composed of ‘granulosa cells’. Around 12% of all sex cord-stromal tumours are a granulosa and 70% of cancerous (malignant) tumours are granulosa cell tumours. They normally happen during middle-age, most commonly in the mid-50s.
How are these tumours treated?
The treatment for this type of tumour will depend on many factors including the age at diagnosis, fitness level, and the specific type of tumour. Your clinical team will advise you on what is the most appropriate treatment for you.
More information and advice
We have lots more information and advice on ovarian cancer. You can also contact our Ask Eve nurses for free to chat about any worries or questions.
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