# Extraovarian fibrothecomas: Two case reports and comprehensive review of ovarian sex cord-stromal fibroma-thecoma tumors

## TL;DR

This paper reports two rare cases of non-ovarian tumors that mimic ovarian cancer and highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis to avoid unnecessary surgery.

## Contribution

The paper adds two new cases of extraovarian fibrothecomas and reviews all 11 documented cases to improve diagnostic awareness.

## Key findings

- Extraovarian fibrothecomas are rare and often misdiagnosed as malignant tumors due to features like ascites and elevated CA-125.
- Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the tumors as benign fibrothecomas, not malignancies.
- Accurate diagnosis through pathology can prevent unnecessary radical surgeries and improve patient outcomes.

## Abstract

Sex cord-stromal tumors are rare ovarian neoplasms, with fibromas comprising approximately 4% and thecomas accounting for 0.5%–1% of all ovarian tumors. The occurrence of these tumors outside the ovaries is exceptionally rare and diagnostically challenging, often mimicking malignancy when associated with ascites, elevated CA-125 levels, or Meigs-like syndrome. This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the histopathological, immunohistochemical, radiological, and molecular features of ovarian fibroma-thecoma group tumors and highlight their clinical relevance. We report two postmenopausal women with large abdominal masses located extraovarian: one in the broad ligament and the other adherent to the omentum and intestines. In the first case, markedly elevated CA-125, ascites, and pleural effusion initially suggested Meigs syndrome. The second case presented with an abdominal mass and ascites. Imaging studies indicated the possibility of malignant ovarian tumors in both patients, leading to surgical excision. Histopathological examination revealed spindle-to-oval tumor cells arranged in fascicular or storiform patterns, with focal lipid-rich theca-like cells. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the tumors were positive for vimentin, WT1, progesterone receptor (PR), and variably for estrogen receptor (ER), CD56, inhibin, and calretinin, while being negative for markers of epithelial, melanocytic, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. A review of the literature identified only 11 well-documented cases of extraovarian fibroma-thecoma group tumors, which most commonly arise in the broad ligament or pelvic cavity. These cases are frequently associated with ascites and elevated CA-125 levels and are often misdiagnosed preoperatively as malignant disease. Our cases underscore the importance of considering extraovarian fibromas and thecomas in the differential diagnosis of pelvic and abdominal masses presenting with similar features. Accurate pathological assessment can prevent unnecessary radical surgeries and promote more favorable patient outcomes.