Role of immunohistochemistry in the fertility-sparing management of Sertoli Leydig cell tumour

Ipshita Sahoo & Prashant Durgapal et al. · 2025-04-05

Ovarian Sertoli Leydig cell tumours (SLCTs) are rare and occur predominantly in young females. Categorised as less common ovarian cancers, they have a favourable prognosis, and fertility preservation is an option in early-stage disease, where fertility is desired. Here, we describe a case of a late adolescent girl, who presented after tumour excision of left ovarian mass. Her initial histopathology report showed mucinous adenocarcinoma of left ovary. Slide review and immunohistochemistry suggested stage IC, intermediate grade Sertoli Leydig cell tumour and the patient was kept on observation. Six months later, she underwent re-surgery with fertility preservation for suspected recurrence. Final histopathology showed no residual tumour. The girl has been disease-free for 4 years. This case highlights the importance of immunohistochemistry and extensive pathology review for diagnosis of this rare tumour. It emphasises that SLCT can masquerade as other poor-grade malignancies owing to histopathological overlap.