Definition
An arrhenoblastoma is a rare type of ovarian tumor. The tumor cells release a male sex hormone called testosterone.
| Arrhenoblastoma |
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Risk Factors
This health problem 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.
In others, the male hormones released by the tumor may cause:
- Acne
- A deepened voice
- Increased facial hair
- An enlarged clitoris
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 |
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Treatment
Surgery will be done to remove the tumor. Cancer that has spread may also be treated with:
- Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells with drugs
- Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells or shrink the tumor with radiation
RESOURCES
The Endocrine Society http://www.endo-society.org
Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance https://ocrfa.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Cancer Society https://www.cancer.ca
Ovarian Cancer Canada http://www.ovariancanada.org
References
Colombo N, Parma G, et al. Management of ovarian stromal cell tumors. J Clin Oncol. 2007;20:2944-2951.
McCluggage WG, McKenna M, et al. CD56 is a sensitive and diagnostically useful immunohistochemical marker of ovarian sex cord stromal tumor. Int J Gyn Pathol. 2007;26:322-327.
Sachdeva P, Arora R, et al. Cell tumor: a rare ovarian neoplasm. Gynecologic Endocrinology. 2008;24(4):230-234.
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. Accessed February 23, 2021.
Types of ovarian tumors. Johns Hopkins Medicine Pathology website. Available at: https://pathology.jhu.edu/ovarian-cancer/types-of-tumors. Accessed February 23, 2021.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Beverly Siegal, MD, FACOG
- Review Date: 12/2020
- Update Date: 02/23/2021