Loading icon
Health Information Center

Arrhenoblastoma

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Arrhenoblastoma

(Androblastoma; Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor of the Ovary)

Definition

An arrhenoblastoma is a rare type of ovarian tumor that is often benign (not cancerous). The tumor cells release a male sex hormone called testosterone.

Arrhenoblastoma.

Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ovarian Cancerhttp://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=28172817AC00127.jpgOvarian CancerNULLjpgOvarian CancerNULL\\filer01\Intellect\images\AC00127.jpgCopyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.11NULL2002-10-012864692817_179648Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

The cause of arrhenoblastoma is not known.

Risk Factors

Arrhenoblastoma can happen in girls and women of all age groups. However, it is more common in women between 20 and 30 years of age.

Symptoms

In many women, irregular or absent menstrual periods are the only symptom of arrhenoblastoma.

In others, the male hormones released by the tumor may cause:

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.

Blood tests will be done to check hormone levels.

Images may be taken of the pelvis. This can be done with ultrasound .

Pelvic Ultrasound.

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Pelvic Ultrasoundhttp://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=76077607si55551283.jpgsi55551283.jpgNULLjpgsi55551283.jpgNULL\\hgfiler01a\intellect\images\si55551283.jpgNULL43NULL2008-12-10261400Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Treatment

Surgery will be done to remove the tumor. If cancer has been found, it may also be treated with:

Prevention

There are no known guidelines to prevent arrhenoblastoma.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Ovarian cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/ovarian-cancer.
  • Sertoli-leydig cell tumors. Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center—National Institutes of Health website. Available at: https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/9967/sertoli-leydig-cell-tumors.
  • Types of ovarian tumors. Johns Hopkins Medicine Pathology website. Available at: https://pathology.jhu.edu/ovarian-cancer/types-of-tumors.

Contributors

  • Beverly Siegal, MD, FACOG
Last Updated:
2022-09-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.