Brenner tumour

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Brenner tumour
Synonyms	Brenner tumor
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Often asymptomatic, may present with abdominal pain or pelvic mass
Complications	Rarely malignant transformation
Onset	Typically in postmenopausal women
Duration	Variable
Types	Benign, Borderline, Malignant
Causes	Unknown
Risks	Age, hormonal factors
Diagnosis	Histopathology, imaging studies
Differential diagnosis	Ovarian cyst, fibroma, thecoma
Prevention	None known
Treatment	Surgical excision
Medication	Not typically used
Prognosis	Excellent for benign tumors
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	Rare, associated with malignant cases

A type of ovarian tumor

Brenner tumour is a rare type of ovarian tumor that is part of the surface epithelial-stromal tumor group. These tumors are typically benign, but can occasionally be malignant. They are named after the German pathologist Fritz Brenner, who first described them in 1907.

Histology

Brenner tumour at intermediate magnification

Brenner tumours are characterized histologically by the presence of transitional epithelium, similar to that found in the urinary bladder. The stroma of the tumor is typically fibrous and may contain Walthard cell rests, which are nests of transitional epithelial cells.

Walthard cell rest at very high magnification

The epithelial component of Brenner tumours often forms nests or islands within the fibrous stroma. These nests are composed of cells with abundant cytoplasm and oval nuclei, which may exhibit the characteristic "coffee bean" appearance due to longitudinal nuclear grooves.

Clinical Presentation

Brenner tumours are most commonly found in postmenopausal women, typically between the ages of 50 and 70. They are often asymptomatic and are usually discovered incidentally during pelvic examinations or imaging studies for other conditions. When symptoms do occur, they may include abdominal pain or a palpable mass.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a Brenner tumour is primarily made through histological examination of the tumor tissue. Imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scan may suggest the presence of an ovarian mass, but definitive diagnosis requires microscopic evaluation.

Brenner tumor with annotated coffee bean nuclei

On microscopic examination, the presence of transitional epithelial cells with "coffee bean" nuclei within a fibrous stroma is diagnostic of a Brenner tumour.

Treatment

The treatment of Brenner tumours depends on their nature. Benign Brenner tumours are typically treated with surgical removal, which is often curative. Malignant Brenner tumours require more extensive surgical intervention and may be treated with additional therapies such as chemotherapy or radiation, depending on the stage and spread of the disease.

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with benign Brenner tumours is excellent, as these tumors do not metastasize and are cured by surgical removal. Malignant Brenner tumours have a more guarded prognosis, depending on the extent of the disease and response to treatment.

See also

• Ovarian cancer
• Surface epithelial-stromal tumor
• Transitional cell carcinoma