Perspectives on pure ovarian stromal neoplasms and tumor-like proliferations of the ovarian stroma

In this study, we discuss the advances in our knowledge of the pathology of pure ovarian stromal neoplasms and discuss tumor-like conditions of ovarian stroma that can mimic ovarian stromal neoplasms clinically, macroscopically, or histologically. This review emphasizes recent studies and those that have significantly advanced our knowledge in the past. The neoplasms in this group occur over a wide age range and are often unilateral. In difficult cases, immunocytochemistry provides improved diagnostic accuracy. The most useful antibodies in this regard are inhibin and calretinin that are positive in most tumors and tumor-like proliferations in the ovarian stromal category. Steroidogenic factor 1 is a promising new marker that has not yet been completely validated. Recent studies of tumors in the fibroma-thecoma group suggest that nuclear atypia is more significant than mitotic activity in the assessment of the biological behavior of these neoplasms. Wherever applicable, we discuss molecular techniques that are currently diagnostically useful.