National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Granulosa cell tumor of the ovary


Other Names:
GCT of the ovary; Granulosa theca cell tumor; GTCT; GCT of the ovary; Granulosa theca cell tumor; GTCT; Adult granulosa cell tumor of the ovary; Granulosa theca cell tumor of the ovary See More
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Granulosa cell tumor of the ovary is a rare type of ovarian cancer that accounts for approximately 2% of all ovarian tumors. This type of tumor is known as a sex cord-stromal tumor and usually occurs in adults. Granulosa cell tumors of the ovary cause higher than normal levels of estrogen in a woman's body.  The symptoms of this excess estrogen depend on the woman's menstrual status; the most common symptoms include early puberty for affected young girls, an increase in abdomen size or irregularities of menstrual cycles in premenopausal women, and abnormal uterine bleeding in postmenopausal women. The exact cause of granulosa cell tumors is unknown.  Treatment consists of surgery to remove the tumor, and additional treatments may also be used depending on the extent of the tumor.[1]
Last updated: 1/7/2016
Surgery is the first step of treating a granulosa cell tumor of the ovary and aims to remove as much of the tumor as possible.  Additional treatments - such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy - may follow surgery depending on the severity and extent of the original tumor, or if the tumor regrows after surgery (a recurrence).  These treatments may improve survival or increase the length of disease-free time before a recurrence.  After treatments are complete, individuals should continue to have regular visits with their physicians to check for recurrences.  These visits should include updating the medical history, a pelvic examination, and possibly blood testing to look for chemicals produced by cancer cells (tumor markers).  If there are any suspicious findings during these visits, an imaging test such as a CT scan may be done.[1]
Last updated: 1/7/2016
The prognosis is dependent on the severity and extent (stage) of the tumor at the time of diagnosis. The majority of cases of granulosa cell tumor of the ovary are stage I at diagnosis (cancer is still contained within the ovary and has not spread). Stage I granulosa cell tumors of the ovary have been found to have a good prognosis with a 5 year survival rate ranging from 90-100% and a 10 year survival rate ranging from 84-95%.[2]
Last updated: 1/7/2016

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Patient Registry

  • A registry supports research by collecting of information about patients that share something in common, such as being diagnosed with Granulosa cell tumor of the ovary. The type of data collected can vary from registry to registry and is based on the goals and purpose of that registry. Some registries collect contact information while others collect more detailed medical information. Learn more about registries.

    Registries for Granulosa cell tumor of the ovary:
    International Ovarian and Testicular Stromal Tumor Registry
     

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Organizations Providing General Support

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Granulosa cell tumor of the ovary. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  1. Starks DC. Granulosa-Theca Cell Tumors. Medscape Reference. January 15, 2015; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/254489-overview.
  2. Jessica E. Stine, Stuart Pierce, John T. Soper,. A Comprehensive Review of Diagnostic and Treatment Options for Granulosa Cell Tumors of the Ovary. OBSTETRICAL AND GYNECOLOGICAL SURVEY. 2014; 69(1):http://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.ezproxy.nihlibrary.nih.gov/pubmed/25102249.