National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Sertoli-leydig cell tumors


Other Names:
Arrhenoblastoma; Androblastoma of ovary; Sertoli-leydig cell tumor of the ovary; Arrhenoblastoma; Androblastoma of ovary; Sertoli-leydig cell tumor of the ovary; Arrhenoblastoma of ovary See More
Categories:
Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors are a cancer that starts in the female ovaries. The cancer cells produce and release a male sex hormone which may cause the development of male physical characteristics (virilization), including facial hair and a deep voice.[1] This type of tumor is sometimes called arrhenoblastoma of the ovary or a stromal tumor.[1][2] Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors are rare tumors which account for less than 0.5% of all ovarian tumors. While they can be found in women of all age groups, they are most common in young women. Treatment involves surgery and chemotherapy or radiation if the cancer has spread. Because Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors have a low chance of spreading, if the tumor is found early, chances for survival are good.[2]
Last updated: 3/25/2010
There is evidence that some Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors of the ovary might be caused by a genetic predisposition to develop cancer.  Mutations in the DICER1 gene have been associated with an increased chance to develop Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors of the ovary, as well as other types of cancer.[3]  It appears that mutations in DICER1 can be passed from a parent to a child in an autosomal dominant manner.[4]
Last updated: 1/1/2013
Because Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors of the ovary are rare, there are no established guidelines for treatment.  Treatment decisions are based on the unique characteristics of each tumor, particularly the stage.  Surgery to remove the tumor is considered the best treatment for an early-stage tumor, whereas surgery and chemotherapy may be needed to treat a later-stage tumor.[5][6]
Last updated: 1/1/2013

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Sertoli-leydig cell tumors. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Patient Registry

  • A registry supports research by collecting of information about patients that share something in common, such as being diagnosed with Sertoli-leydig cell tumors. The type of data collected can vary from registry to registry and is based on the goals and purpose of that registry. Some registries collect contact information while others collect more detailed medical information. Learn more about registries.

    Registries for Sertoli-leydig cell tumors:
    International Ovarian and Testicular Stromal Tumor Registry
     

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Organizations Providing General Support

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Sertoli-leydig cell tumors. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

  • My 15 year old granddaughter has been diagnosed with a Sertoli-leydig cell tumor in her ovary.  What are her chances of survival if it is a cancerous tumor?  She also has nodules on her thyroid, and the doctors are planning to remove her thyroid.  Her mother had the same thing, but it is in remission. See answer


  1. Dugdale DC, Mason JR. Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor. MedlinePlus. 2008; http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001172.htm. Accessed 3/25/2010.
  2. Vorvick LJ, Chen YB. Arrhenoblastoma of ovary. MedlinePlus. 2010; http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001507.htm. Accessed 3/25/2010.
  3. Slade I, Bacchelli C, Davies H, Murray A, Abbaszadeh F, Hanks S, Barfoot R, Burke A, Chisholm J, Hewitt M, Jenkinson H, King D, Morland B, Pizer B, Prescott K, Saggar A, Side L, Traunecker H, Vaidya S, Ward P, Futreal PA, Vujanic G, Nicholson AG, Sebire N, Turnbull C, Priest JR, Pritchard-Jones K, Houlston R, Stiller C, Stratton MR, Douglas J, Rahman N. DICER1 syndrome: clarifying the diagnosis, clinical features and management implications of a pleiotropic tumour predisposition syndrome. Journal of Medical Genetics. 2011; 48:273-278. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21266384. Accessed 1/1/2013.
  4. Rio Frio T, Bahubeshi A, Kanellopoulou C, Hamel N, Niedziela M, Sabbaghian N, Pouchet C, Gilbert L, O'Brien PK, Serfas K, Broderick P, Houlston RS, Lesueur F, Bonora E, Muljo S, Schimke RN, Bouron-Dal Soglio D, Arseneau J, Schultz KA, Priest JR, Nguyen VH, Harach HR, Livingston DM, Foulkes WD, Tischkowitz M. DICER1 mutations in familial multinodular goiter with and without ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors. JAMA. 2011; 305:68-77. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21205968. Accessed 1/1/2013.
  5. Gui T, Cao D, Shen K, Yang J, Zhang Y, Yu Q, Wan X, Xiang Y, Xiao Y, Guo L. A clinicopathological analysis of 40 cases of ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors. Gynecologic Oncology. 2012; 127:384-389. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22850410. Accessed 1/1/2013.
  6. Sigismondi C, Gadducci A, Lorusso D, Candiani M, Breda E, Raspagliesi F, Cormio G, Marinaccio M, Mangili G. Ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors. a retrospective MITO study. Gynecologic Oncology. 2012; 125:673-676. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22446621. Accessed 1/1/2013.