Which ovarian stromal tumor is well known for estrogen production and can cause hyperestrogenism?

• A. Thecoma
• B. Dysgerminoma
• C. Granulosa cell tumor
• D. Fibroma

Answer: (A)

Estrogen production is a hallmark of certain ovarian stromal (sex cord-stromal) tumors. The tumor most classically associated with estrogen secretion is the granulosa cell tumor. Its cells resemble normal granulosa cells and have the enzymatic capability to produce estrogen, so patients may develop hyperestrogenism with symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding or, in prepubertal girls, precocious puberty. Thecoma can also secrete estrogen because theca cells are involved in steroid synthesis, but this is less commonly highlighted as the primary estrogen-producing tumor. Other stromal tumors like fibroma or germ cell tumors such as dysgerminoma do not characteristically cause hyperestrogenism.