Virilization in a postmenopausal woman: ovarian steroid cell tumour

Rapid onset of virilization in a post-menopausal woman is usually the result of androgen secretion from a tumour of adrenal or ovarian origin. Androgen secreting neoplasms of the ovary are rare and usually show autonomous secretion. We describe the case of a 61-year-old woman with high serum testosterone and inappropriate normal estrogen despite menopause. Localization of the tumour was not possible by conventional ultrasound or computerized tomography scanning, and was achieved by venous sampling. Complete cure was achieved by oophorectomy. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. Postoperatively her testosterone returned to normal. Two months after surgery she showed regression of features of hyperandrogenism.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sjdem.v1i1.4189  

Sri Lanka Journal of Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism 2011; 1: 37-40