Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Arrhenoblastoma


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.

These cells are also found in a woman's ovaries and may lead to cancer. A Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor is a cancer that starts in the female ovaries, usually in younger women. The cancer cells release a male sex hormone that may cause the woman to develop facial hair, a deep voice, and other male characteristics.

In men, some cancers of the testes can start in the Sertoli and Leydig cells. These are considered types of testicular cancer. For information on Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors in men, see the article on testicular cancer.


Signs and tests



Review Date: 09/06/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; 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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)