Clinicopathological Characteristics of Mitotically-active Cellular Fibroma of the Ovary: A Single-institutional Experience

Abstract

Mitotically-active cellular fibroma (MACF) is a rare form of ovarian fibromatous tumor. Although it is generally acknowledged to have indolent biological behavior, its rarity and overlapping histopathological features with more common and aggressive entities make MACF prone to misdiagnosis and overtreatment. The clinicopathological characteristics of ovarian MACF have not been clearly established. Our 10-year review of cellular fibromatous tumors of the ovary diagnosed at a single institution revealed four cases of cellular fibroma (CF) and three cases of MACF. The mean age of patients with MACF was 46 years (range=20-71 years). Patients presented with symptoms related to pelvic masses, such as abdominal pain and discomfort and flank pain. Serum levels of cancer antigen 125 was increased in two patients with MACF. All cases of MACF were a single unilateral tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed solid or mixed solid and cystic ovarian masses with diameters of 7.3-14.9 cm. The radiological impressions included benign stromal tumor, benign epithelial tumor, and borderline epithelial tumor. Grossly, MACFs exhibited yellow-to-tan fleshy cut surfaces, without necrosis or hemorrhage. Extensive hyaline degeneration, resulting in a fibrotic cut surface, was observed in one case. Histologically, MACF displayed frequent mitotic figures, as well as increased cellularity and mild cytological atypia. The mean mitotic count was 8.7 per 10 high-power fields. MACF is a newly-recognized subtype of ovarian cellular fibromatous tumor. Pathologists and clinicians should be aware of this rare entity to prevent misdiagnosis of MACF as fibrosarcoma or adult granulosa cell tumor and resultant overtreatment.