Sign in. Editorial Policies. Send email. Copy url:. DobrosΕawa Sikora-SzczΔΕniak. WacΕaw Sikora. PlumX metrics:. Introduction In histogenetic terms, malignant ovarian goiter struma ovarii belongs to the class of monodermal teratomas. The term struma ovarii refers to tumors in which the thyroid tissue is the only microscopic structural component, as well as tumors in which the thyroid tissue is the major, albeit not the only component of the teratoma [1]. These tumors are detected mainly among mature teratomas, in women between 50 and 60 years of age [2].
Twenty percent of these tumors are built of thyroid tissue only. Besides dermoid cysts, thyroid tissue is also found in serous and mucous cysts within the ovary [1]. The content of iodine in the ovarian thyroid tissue is usually lower than in the normal gland; in one of the cases, no iodine is detected at all. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism resolve following the ectomy of the ovarian tumor containing thyroid-like tissue [5]. Ovarian goiter, along with malignant chorionic epithelioma that secretes human chorionic gonadotropin and pituitary adenoma that secretes thyroid-stimulating hormone TSH , is a rare cause of hyperthyroidism [9].
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism and carcinoid syndrome may be present in strumal carcinoid that contains both thyroid and carcinoid tissue. This tumor, when present unilaterally in younger women who want to maintain their fertility, may be treated by unilateral adnexectomy [2]. Cases of malignant struma ovarii composed of adenocarcinoma tissue have also been reported [1, 3β5].
Surgical treatment of struma ovarii is associated with tumors containing thyroid tissue, as this type of tumor is usually diagnosed on the basis of histopathological examination. Treatment of both benign and malignant forms of struma ovarii consists of unilateral adnexectomy if reproductive potential is to be conserved , or hysterectomy with adnexectomy. Metastases and recurrences are successfully treated with radioactive iodine I [2, 4, 10, 11].
The objective of the study was to determine the incidence of ovarian thyroid goiter struma ovarii β a rare type of ovarian tumor β within the population of surgical patients. The study population consisted of two groups of female patients, a total of patients. The first group consisted of 35 patients in whom ovarian dermoid cysts were identified upon the surgery. The other group included 68 patients presenting with ovarian serous cysts.
