Struma ovarii

Struma ovarii is a rare type of ovarian teratoma that contains predominantly thyroid tissue, which may cause hyperthyroidism. It accounts for less than 1% of all ovarian tumors. This condition is most commonly diagnosed in women during their fifth decade of life.

Signs and Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Patients with struma ovarii may present with abdominal pain, a palpable abdominal mass, or ascites. Some patients may also exhibit signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as weight loss, heat intolerance, and tachycardia, due to the production of thyroid hormone by the tumor.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of struma ovarii is typically made postoperatively following ovarian cystectomy or oophorectomy. Preoperative diagnosis is challenging due to the nonspecific nature of the symptoms and the rarity of the condition. Ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may show a complex ovarian mass, but these findings are not specific for struma ovarii.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The treatment for struma ovarii typically involves surgical removal of the tumor. In some cases, total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy may be performed. Postoperative radioactive iodine therapy may be considered in cases with malignant transformation or if there is residual disease following surgery.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for struma ovarii is generally good, with a low rate of malignant transformation. However, regular follow-up is recommended due to the potential for recurrence.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Struma ovarii Resources
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