Rare ovarian/thyroid tumor

DEAR DR. GOTT: What can you tell me about struma ovarii? Is it serious, etc?

DEAR READER: Struma ovarii is a rare type of ovarian tumor, accounting for only 1% of all ovarian tumors. It is characterized by the presence of thyroid tissue as a major cellular component of the tumor. Because this is a cancer of the female reproductive tract, only women are affected, with those between the ages of 40 and 60 most commonly affected.

The condition typically presents with a pelvic mass and signs and symptoms similar to those of other types of ovarian and female reproductive tract tumors/lesions. Rarely, but in a few instances, some sufferers may develop hyperthyroidism (which disappears following treatment) [Read more...]