Theca cell tumors

The anatomic and histologic characteristics of theca cell tumors are described, together with their distinctive clinical and hormonal features. Descriptions are given of six cases illustrating variations from the more benign fibroma type to the highly cellular and malignant type. A correlation is made between the presence of hormonal changes and the presence of intracellular, doubly refractile fat containing cholesterol and cholesterol esters. It is suggested that some of the ovarian neoplasms previously diagnosed as fibromas or fibrosarcomas may on further investigation prove to be of theca cell origin.