Ovarian capillary hemangioma and stromal luteinization: a case study with hormonal receptor evaluation.
BACKGROUND: Ovarian hemangiomas are rare tumors, most of them asymptomatic, and of the cavernous type. Six of the reported cases were accompanied by stromal luteinization. There is a debate whether these luteinized cells promote the growth of the vascular lesion or just represent a stromal reaction. CASE: A 71-year-old female was incidentally found to have a small capillary hemangioma in her left ovary, surrounded by a rim of luteinized stromal cells. Immunohistochemical investigation revealed the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors in the endothelial cells of the lesion. CONCLUSION: Our histological and immunohistochemical findings, as well as data from the literature, support the view that at least some vascular lesions may result from hormonal stimulation.