Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor
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Definition
Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor is a rare cancer of the ovaries. The cancer cells produce and release a male sex hormone.
Alternative Names
Arrhenoblastoma; Androblastoma
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 called testosterone.
In men, some cancers of the testes can start in the Sertoli and Leydig cells. These are considered types of testicular cancer.
Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor is a cancer that starts in the female ovaries. The cancer cells produce and release a male sex hormone. This hormone may cause the woman to develop male physical characteristics (virilization), including facial hair and a deep voice.
Review Date: 6/10/2008
Reviewed by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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