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Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor of the Ovary

Androgen-Producing Sex Cord-Stromal Neoplasm

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Onkoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor of the Ovary?

A rare ovarian sex cord-stromal tumor accounting for less than 0.5% of ovarian malignancies

Composed of Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and varying amounts of stromal and heterologous elements

Frequently associated with germline or somatic DICER1 hotspot mutations

Androgen secretion produces virilizing symptoms in approximately one-third of cases

Most are unilateral, low-grade, and confined to the ovary at diagnosis

Symptoms

Hirsutism, voice deepening, clitoromegaly, and male-pattern alopecia from androgen excess
Oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea, breast atrophy, and acne
Pelvic pain, abdominal mass, or distension from tumor growth
Estrogenic symptoms including abnormal bleeding in selected cases
Pediatric or adolescent presentation with rapid virilization in DICER1-related cases

Risk Factors

Adolescent and young adult age group with median onset around 25 years
Germline DICER1 pathogenic variants and family history of pleuropulmonary blastoma
Cystic nephroma, multinodular goiter, and Wilms tumor as syndromic associations
Female sex with rare male and intersex variants in extragonadal sites
Pregnancy occasionally unmasks androgenic symptoms

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • New onset of hirsutism, voice change, or virilization in young women
  • Adnexal mass with elevated testosterone or androstenedione
  • Abnormal uterine bleeding or amenorrhea in adolescents and young adults
  • Family history of pleuropulmonary blastoma or DICER1 syndrome features
  • Surveillance of patients with known DICER1 mutation

Treatment Methods

01
Fertility-sparing unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for early-stage disease in young women
02
Surgical staging with hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in advanced disease
03
Adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy for high-grade or advanced-stage tumors
04
Genetic testing for DICER1 with cascade screening of family members
05
Long-term surveillance with serum androgens, imaging, and DICER1 syndrome screening

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Onkoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.