Arrhenoblastoma of ovary

 

Alternative Names

Stromal tumor; Gonadal stromal tumor; Sex cord tumor; Androblastoma

Definition

Arrhenoblastoma of the ovary is an ovarian tumor that releases the male hormone, testosterone, or other hormones.

See also: Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor

Causes

This is a rare tumor. It accounts for less than 0.5% of all ovarian tumors.

These tumors are found in women of all age groups, but are most common in young women.

Symptoms

This tumor releases male hormones, which cause the following symptoms in women:

  • Deepening of the voice
  • Increased acne
  • Increased hair on the face and body
  • Increased size of the clitoris
  • Male pattern baldness

Exams and Tests

  • Blood tests to check levels of hormones that may be released by the tumor
  • CT scan of the pelvis and abdomen to see if the tumor has spread
  • Ultrasound of the ovaries

Treatment

Surgery to remove the tumor is the main treatment. If the cancer has spread, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be considered.

Support Groups

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outcome of this disease depends on whether it has spread, and whether surgery can completely remove the tumor.

Arrhenoblastoma has a low chance of spreading. If the tumor is found early, the cure rate can be very good.

Possible Complications

  • Complications of surgery
  • Masculine symptoms (virilization)
  • Spread of the tumor if it is not completely removed

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you are a woman and have masculine symptoms, or you feel a lump in your lower belly area.

Prevention

There is no good screening test. Regular gynecologic exams and recognizing masculine symptoms may help detect the disease.

References

Bulun SE, Adashi EY. The physiology and pathology of the female reproductive axis. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 17.

Coleman RL, Gershenson DM. Neoplastic diseases of the ovary: screening, benign and malignant epithelial and germ cell neoplasms, sex-cord stromal tumors. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 33.

Review Date: 3/23/2014
Reviewed By: Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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