Steroid Cell Tumor of the Ovary, from the CureRays guide library.

Ovarian steroid cell tumors are rare hormone-producing ovarian tumors, most of which are benign and cured by surgery, with chemotherapy or radiation reserved for the minority that behave aggressively.

What it is.

Steroid cell tumors are a rare type of ovarian sex cord-stromal tumor made of cells that produce steroid hormones — most often male hormones (androgens), and sometimes estrogen or cortisol. Because of this hormone production, many are discovered through their effects: irregular or absent periods, acne, increased body hair or a deeper voice, or, less often, signs of excess estrogen or cortisol. They can occur across a wide age range. Most steroid cell tumors are confined to one ovary and behave in a benign or low-grade way, and removing the tumor both cures the cancer and reverses the hormone symptoms. A minority, however, are malignant and can spread, so the tumor is examined carefully for features that predict aggressive behavior (such as large size, a high rate of dividing cells, bleeding, or death of tumor tissue). Treatment is led by surgery, with additional therapy reserved for higher-risk or spread tumors.

How radiation treats it.

Radiation damages the DNA inside cancer cells so they can no longer divide, while healthy cells recover more effectively. For ovarian steroid cell tumors, surgery is the main treatment and radiation plays only a limited, selective role — for instance, to control an isolated recurrence or to relieve symptoms. When used, it is given as short, painless daily sessions and leaves no radioactivity in your body, so you remain safe to be around family and children.

The ways we can treat it.

Radiation (selective). Radiation is not a standard treatment; it is occasionally used to control a localized recurrence or to relieve symptoms when surgery and chemotherapy are insufficient.

Stereotactic / focused radiation. Precisely targeted high-dose radiation can treat a single area of recurrent disease while sparing surrounding organs.

Palliative radiation. Short courses can ease pain or other symptoms in the uncommon setting of advanced, resistant disease.

Questions we hear often.

Is my tumor cancerous? Most ovarian steroid cell tumors are benign or low-grade and are cured by surgery. A minority can behave aggressively, which is why the removed tumor is examined closely for features that predict its behavior. Your team will explain what your pathology shows.

Will my hormone symptoms go away after surgery? Usually yes. Symptoms caused by the tumor's hormone production — such as acne, extra hair, or changes in periods — typically improve once the tumor is removed, and hormone levels return toward normal.

Can I still have children after treatment? Often yes. For young women with an early, low-risk tumor confined to one ovary, surgeons can usually remove only the affected ovary, preserving the uterus and the other ovary and protecting fertility.

This guide is informational only. It is not medical advice — please confirm anything here with your care team.