# Ovarian steroid cell tumor in a teenager masquerading as polycystic ovary syndrome: a case report and literature review

## TL;DR

A teenager with symptoms resembling PCOS was found to have a rare ovarian tumor, highlighting the need for accurate diagnosis in adolescents.

## Contribution

This case report emphasizes the importance of considering rare conditions like OSCT in adolescents with hyperandrogenic symptoms.

## Key findings

- Standard PCOS treatments failed to resolve symptoms in an 18-year-old patient.
- Exploratory laparoscopy and hormonal profiling confirmed an ovarian steroid cell tumor.
- Only one similar OSCT-NOS case was found in the literature.

## Abstract

Adolescent patients presenting with hyperandrogenic symptoms often receive a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, accurate diagnosis is crucial because the symptoms of rare conditions, such as ovarian steroid cell tumor (OSCT), can mimic PCOS.

An 18-year-old female presented with irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenic symptoms, and obesity. Despite standard treatments for PCOS, symptoms persisted. Exploratory laparoscopic examination revealed an OSCT. Thorough hormonal profiling, imaging, and histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis.

All OSCT and PCOS with their synonyms were searched in Pubmed on March 1, 2025. After limited the topic to tittle/abstract and then screened manually, only one report was found to present similar OSCT-NOS case with the case we report here.

This case highlights the need for accurate diagnosis, early evaluation, and timely intervention in adolescents with hyperandrogenism to manage rare conditions like OSCT.

Adolescent females with hyperandrogenic symptoms are often diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the symptoms of rare conditions like ovarian steroid cell tumors can mimic symptoms of PCOS. This case highlights the importance of an accurate diagnosis and a thorough evaluation through hormonal profiling, imaging, and exploratory laparoscopy. If the standard PCOS treatments are unsuccessful, then alternative diagnoses such as ovarian steroid cell tumor should be considered. Early identification and appropriate management are critical for satisfactory patient outcomes and emphasize the need for heightened awareness of rare conditions that present similarly to PCOS in adolescents.