Which statement correctly distinguishes an ovarian thecoma from an ovarian fibroma?
- A Thcomas contain lipid-rich luteinised thecal cells and may be hormonally active, whereas typical fibromas are composed of collagen-producing spindle cells and are usually inactive ✓
- B Fibromas are composed of lipid-laden luteinised cells and commonly secrete oestrogen
- C Both lesions characteristically produce Meigs syndrome in the majority of cases
- D Thecoma is a germ cell tumour while fibroma is a surface epithelial tumour
Correct answer: A. Thcomas contain lipid-rich luteinised thecal cells and may be hormonally active, whereas typical fibromas are composed of collagen-producing spindle cells and are usually inactive
Explanation
Both belong to the sex cord-stromal group. Thecomas derive from theca cells, are rich in lipid, and may secrete oestrogen, producing endometrial hyperplasia or bleeding. Fibromas are firm, white, whorled spindle cell tumours with abundant collagen, generally hormonally silent, though they classically associate with Meigs syndrome and with Gorlin syndrome. Meigs syndrome occurs in only a small minority of fibromas, so option C fails.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
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