Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor
Definition
Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor (SLCT) is a rare cancer of the ovaries. The cancer cells produce and release a male sex hormone called testosterone.
Alternative Names
Sertoli-stromal cell tumor; Arrhenoblastoma; Androblastoma; Ovarian cancer - Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor
Causes
The exact cause of this tumor is not known. Changes (mutations) in genes may play a role.
SLCT occur most often in young women 20 to 30 years old. But the tumor can occur at any age.
Symptoms
The Sertoli cells are normally located in the male reproductive glands (the testes). They feed sperm cells. The Leydig cells, also located in the testes, release a male sex hormone.
These cells are also found in a woman's ovaries, and in very rare cases lead to cancer. SLCT starts in the female ovaries, mostly in one ovary. The cancer cells release a male sex hormone. As a result, the woman may develop symptoms such as:
- A deep voice
- Enlarged clitoris
- Facial hair
- Loss in breast size
- Stopping of menstrual periods
Pain in the lower belly (pelvic area) is another symptom. It occurs due to the tumor pressing on nearby structures.
Exams and Tests
The health care provider will perform a physical exam and a pelvic exam, and ask about the symptoms.
Tests will be ordered to check the levels of female and male hormones, including testosterone.
An ultrasound or CT scan will likely be done to find out where the tumor is and its size and shape.
Treatment
Surgery is done to remove one or both ovaries.
If the tumor is advanced stage, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be done after surgery.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Early treatment results in a good outcome. Feminine characteristics usually return after surgery. But male characteristics resolve more slowly.
For more advanced stage tumors, outlook is less positive.
References
Fletcher CDM. Tumors of the female genital tract. In: Fletcher CDM, ed. Diagnostic Histopathology of Tumors. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 13.
Penick ER, Hamilton CA, Maxwell GL, Marcus CS. Germ cell, stromal, and other ovarian tumors. In: DiSaia PJ, Creasman WT, Mannel RS, McMeekin DS, Mutch DG, eds. Clinical Gynecologic Oncology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 12.
Smith RP. Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor (arrhenoblastoma). In: Smith RP, ed. Netter's Obstetrics & Gynecology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 158.
Review Date:4/29/2022
Reviewed By:Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.
Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.