What Is Granulosa Cell Tumor In Horses?

Granulosa cell tumors (GCT) are the most common type of tumor to affect the equine reproductive tract, most specifically the ovaries. These tumors are often benign (do not spread), however they can be performance-limiting due to associated behavioral issues and potentially pain depending on their size.

What is the survival rate for granulosa cell tumor?

Approximately 75% of granulosa cell tumors are diagnosed in stage Ia-c (FIGO), 20% represent stage II, 8% stage III and 6% stage IV of tumor disease (5-7). The overall 10-year survival rate is favorable at 75%-90%. Prognosis seems to be strongly associated with tumor stage.

What causes granulosa cell tumor?

The most common symptoms include early puberty for affected young girls, an increase in abdomen size or irregularities of menstrual cycles in premenopausal women, and abnormal uterine bleeding in postmenopausal women. The exact cause of granulosa cell tumors is unknown.

What are the symptoms of granulosa cell Tumour?

Granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are a type of ovarian tumor. They often produce hormones and lead to high estrogen levels.
Symptoms and Causes

• Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) or postmenopausal bleeding.
• Increased abdomen size (a swollen belly).
• Irregular menstrual cycles or absence of menses.
• Tender or sore breasts.

What is the treatment for granulosa cell tumor?

Primary treatment for patients with GCTs is surgical. Chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy are reserved for patients with advanced disease by surgical staging, and for patients with recurrent tumor.

Can granulosa cell tumors spread?

Spread is largely within the pelvis and the lower abdomen. Distant metastases are rare with few reported cases of lung, liver, brain, bone, diaphragm, abdominal wall, adrenal gland and supraclavicular lymph node metastasis from ovarian tumors.

How is granulosa cell tumor Mare diagnosed?

The diagnosis of GCT’s in mares is based on clinical history, including changes in behavior, rectal palpation, ultrasonography, and serum hormone analysis. By rectal palpation, the affected ovary is enlarged; it may be cystic and/or abnormally firm; an ovulation fossa is typically absent.

Are granulosa cell tumor benign or malignant?

The most common type of SCST are granulosa cell tumours which are cancerous (malignant).

What species commonly gets granulosa cell tumors?

Granulosa cell tumors are the most common neoplasm involving the ovaries of cattle. Even though they are the most common ovarian neoplasm, the incidence has been reported to be approximately 0.5 per cent.

What stimulates granulosa cell growth?

FSH stimulates the granulosa cells to change androgen sex hormones, released by theca cells, to estrogen sex hormones. As your follicles grow, granulosa cells continue to produce more estrogen. This results in a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) from your anterior pituitary.

Where do granulosa cells come from?

They are derived from the coelomic epithelial cells of the gonadal ridge. Granulosa cells form a single layer around the OOCYTE in the primordial ovarian follicle and advance to form a multilayered cumulus oophorus surrounding the OVUM in the Graafian follicle.

How often do granulosa cell tumors recur?

GCTs are rare and may recur 5–30 years after the initial diagnosis [6]. Several factors, such as tumor size, stage, and mitotic index, are associated with recurrence [3]. Recurrence sites vary, and the pelvis, ovary, mesentery, appendix, liver, and omentum have been reported [7].

Is granulosa cell tumor aggressive?

These tumours have malignant potential, although metastasis or recurrence usually occurs late, as much as 20-30 years following the primary diagnosis [2]. Here we report an unusual case of a young woman who developed bilateral ovarian GCTs with a very aggressive course, rapid recurrence, and a short time of survival.

What is the meaning of granulosa?

Noun. granulosa. (anatomy) A layer of small cells that forms the wall of an ovarian follicle.

What do granulosa cell tumors secrete?

Granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are derived from the cells that surround developing ovarian follicles. GCTs are typically unilateral and solid and secrete estrogen.

Is granulosa cell tumor genetic?

Despite the fact that rare autosomal disorders are associated with the development of granulosa cell tumors, there is no known genetic predisposition that is specific for AGCT. To date, there has been only one reported case of a family in which both mother and daughter were diagnosed with a granulosa cell tumor [13].

What do granulosa cells respond to?

The granulosa cells respond to follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and produce estrogen. Granulosa cells in the large pre-ovulatory follicle also respond to LH and produce progesterone (Webb et al., 2004; Skinner, 2005).

What is the most common ovarian tumor in the horse?

Overview: Granulosa cell tumors (GCT) are the most common type of tumor to affect the equine reproductive tract, most specifically the ovaries. These tumors are often benign (do not spread), however they can be performance-limiting due to associated behavioral issues and potentially pain depending on their size.

What is the most lethal gynecological malignancy?

Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.

What are the symptoms of ovarian cyst in horses?

Aggressive, stallion-like behaviour. Affected mares may strike out or attempt to mount other mares in the field, and in long-term cases may develop excessive muscle and a cresty neck. Occasionally colic, if the tumour is especially large and causes tension on the ligaments attaching the ovary to the abdominal wall.

What is another name for granulosa cells?

A granulosa cell or follicular cell is a somatic cell of the sex cord that is closely associated with the developing female gamete (called an oocyte or egg) in the ovary of mammals.