Table of Contents
Definition / general | Gross description | Gross images | Microscopic (histologic) description | Microscopic (histologic) images | Positive stains | Molecular / cytogenetics descriptionCite this page: Ehdaivand S. Thecoma. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/ovarytumorthecoma.html. Accessed January 24th, 2021.
Definition / general
- Usually > 40 years old, 65% after menopause
- May be hormonally active, associated with estrogenic and occasionally (if steroid cells present) androgenic symptoms
- Usually benign
- Luteinized thecomas: thecoma plus features of steroid hormone secreting cells including edema, focal mitotic activity; may be associated with sclerosing peritonitis and ascites (Am J Surg Pathol 1994;18:1, Arch Pathol Lab Med 1996;120:303)
- Leydig cell containing thecoma: if Reinke crystalloids are present in cytoplasm
Gross description
- Unilateral (90%), well defined, firm, solid and covered by intact ovarian serosa
- Variable size; usually yellow; often a mixture with fibroma (white)
Gross images
Microscopic (histologic) description
- Spindle cells with moderate pale cytoplasm containing lipid droplets and central nuclei
- Intervening stroma has collagen deposition and focal hyaline plaque formation
- Some tumors are heavily calcified; may have prominent stromal hyperplasia (hyperthecosis)
Microscopic (histologic) images
Positive stains
- Oil Red O or Sudan black (fat stains) on fresh / frozen tissue
- Silver stains demonstrate reticulin fibers surrounding individual cells (note: reticulin surrounds clusters of cells in granulosa cell tumors)
Molecular / cytogenetics description
- Trisomy 12