Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor Health Article

Definition

Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor is a rare cancer of the ovaries. The cancer cells produce and release a male sex hormone.

Alternative Names

Arrhenoblastoma

Symptoms

The Sertoli cells, which are located in the male reproductive glands (the testes), feed sperm cells. The Leydig cells release a male sex hormone called testosterone. In men, some cancers of the testes can start in the Sertoli and Leydig cells.

Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor is a cancer that starts in the female ovaries. The cancer cells produce and release a male sex hormone, which may cause the women to develop male physical characteristics (virilization), including facial hair and a deep voice.