Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor of the ovary

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor of the ovary is a rare type of ovarian cancer that originates from the sex-cord stromal cells of the ovary. These tumors are part of a larger group of diseases known as sex cord-stromal tumors, which account for approximately 8% of all ovarian tumors.

Epidemiology[edit | edit source]

Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors are rare, accounting for less than 0.5% of all ovarian tumors. They are most commonly diagnosed in young women, with a median age of diagnosis of 25 years. However, they can occur at any age.

Pathogenesis[edit | edit source]

The exact cause of Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors is unknown. However, they are thought to arise from the sex-cord stromal cells of the ovary, which are responsible for producing sex hormones. Some cases have been associated with germline mutations in the DICER1 gene.

Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

Patients with Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors often present with signs and symptoms of hyperandrogenism, such as hirsutism, acne, and virilization. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular menstrual periods.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of a Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor is typically made based on the results of imaging studies, such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan, and confirmed by histopathological examination of the tumor tissue.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The primary treatment for Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors is surgical removal of the tumor. In some cases, chemotherapy may be used as an adjuvant treatment.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for patients with Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors is generally good, with a 5-year survival rate of over 90% for early-stage disease. However, the prognosis can vary depending on the stage of the disease and the patient's overall health.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor of the ovary Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD