What is a Leydig Cell Tumour of the Ovary?
Leydig cell tumours also known as Sertoli-Leydig cell tumour (SLCT), is extremely rare, accounting for less than 0.5% of all ovarian cancers. Although they can occur at any age, they are most common in women who are approaching menopause.
The majority of these tumours (70-85%) produce male hormones, which can induce symptoms such as increased body hair and other masculine characteristics. If a woman suddenly exhibits these male characteristics and her free testosterone level is significantly higher than usual, doctors should look at this type of ovarian tumour.
Disease Causes
Ovarian leydig cell tumours have no well-known cause. The development of Leydig cell tumours of the ovary is associated with increased levels of the male hormone, increasing age, family history of ovarian, breast, or bowel cancer, changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, early onset of periods, and late menopause.
Signs and Symptoms
The patient may suffer from the following signs and symptoms.
- Pain in the abdomen
- Excessive hair on the face, chin, under arms and legs
- Frequent urge to pass urine
- Hoarse voice
- Shrinking of the breasts
- Regular or irregular menstrual cycles
Diagnosis
Following diagnostic tests and procedures can be used to make the diagnosis.
- Complete blood count ( CBC)
- Serum tumour markers
- Hormonal assays to measure the amount of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone
- Imaging techniques like ultrasonography (USG), CT-scan, MRI, and X-Ray to detect the site, size, and extent of the tumour.
- Pelvic examination through per-speculum examination of the vagina, cervix, and ovaries. A speculum is a gynecological instrument used to visualise the vaginal wall, cervix, uterus, and ovaries to detect any abnormality.
- CA-125
Treatment
Treatment involves the complete surgical removal of both ovaries. In cases of metastasis, it is advisable to combine chemotherapy and radiation therapy with surgery to effectively target the affected areas.
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